primos
/pɾimos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cousins" is translated into Spanish as primos.
The term is used to describe the children of one's aunts or uncles. While primos can refer to a group of male cousins or a mixed-gender group, you can also use the term primos y primas to specifically mention both male and female cousins. If you are referring to a group consisting only of female cousins, use primas.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the gender of the cousins being discussed. Use primo for a single male cousin and prima for a single female cousin. For multiple cousins, use primos for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and primas for a group of females.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular, primo refers to a male cousin and prima refers to a female cousin. In the plural, primos refers to a group of male cousins or a mixed-gender group, while primas refers to a group of female cousins.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾimos/
Did you know?
- The word primo can also be used in a mathematical context in Spanish to mean 'prime number'. This is a completely different meaning than the familial one used in English.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word primo can be used as a slang term for 'friend' or 'buddy', much like 'mate' in English. You might hear someone call a close friend mi primo even if they share no biological connection.
- While English distinguishes between 'first' and 'second' cousins, Spanish speakers often use primo segundo to describe a cousin with whom they share great-grandparents.
Examples in context
- ¿En serio son primos?Are you guys really cousins?This sentence is useful for asking if people are related as cousins.Tatoeba #3804687 by cueyayotl, translation #2713244 by CK
- Tom y Mary son primos.Tom and Mary are cousins.This sentence is useful for stating that two people are cousins.Tatoeba #1797638 by hayastan, translation #1029928 by CK
- Esos dos niños son primos.Those two boys are cousins.This sentence is useful for identifying two children as cousins.Tatoeba #587350 by Shishir, translation #68747 by CK
- Mis primos están en casaMy cousins are at home.
- Vamos a jugar con los primitosLet's play with the little cousins.
- Los primos y primas están invitados a la reuniónCousins are invited to the gathering.
- Mis familiares más cercanos son mis primosMy closest relatives are my cousins.
- Mis primos son muy divertidosMy cousins are a lot of fun.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about their family reunion.
- Alejandro¿Vienen tus primos a la fiesta?Are your cousins coming to the party?
- LucíaSí, mis primos llegarán tarde.Yes, my cousins will arrive late.
- AlejandroQué bueno, me gusta pasar tiempo con tus primos.That's good, I like spending time with your cousins.
- LucíaEllos también quieren verte, Alejandro.They want to see you too, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
