¿Tienes hermanos?
In Spanish, 'do you have siblings?' is said as ¿Tienes hermanos?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone has any brothers or sisters.
What does it mean word for word?
The word hermanos literally means 'brothers', but it is the standard way to refer to a mixed-gender group of siblings.
Which one should you use?
If you know for certain that the person only has sisters, you can use the feminine form ¿Tienes hermanas? instead of the masculine/mixed ¿Tienes hermanos?
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form ¿Tiene hermanos? instead of ¿Tienes hermanos? when speaking to someone you do not know well or someone in a position of authority.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often look for a specific word for 'siblings', but in Spanish, you typically use the masculine plural hermanos to cover both brothers and sisters.
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean dialects, the concept of 'sibling' is often subsumed under the broader term familia, and people may respond to ¿Tienes hermanos? by listing cousins as if they were siblings.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the word hermano is used as a slang term for a very close friend, similar to how English speakers use 'bro' or 'brother'.
- If you ask a woman ¿Tienes hermanos?, she might assume you are only asking about her brothers, even though the masculine plural is grammatically inclusive of sisters.
Examples in context
- Hola, señor Martinez. ¿Tiene usted hermanos?Hello, Mr. Martinez. Do you have siblings?
- Buenos días, ¿tiene usted hermanos o hermanas?Good morning, do you have brothers or sisters?
- Oye, ¿tienes hermanos?Hey, do you have siblings?
- Hola amiga, ¿tienes hermanos o hermanas?Hello friend, do you have brothers or sisters?
- Sí, tengo un hermano y una hermana.Yes, I have one brother and one sister.
Example conversation
Two friends are getting to know each other at a cafe.
- Javier¿Tienes hermanos?Do you have siblings?
- LucíaSí, tengo un hermano mayor.Yes, I have an older brother.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Yo soy hijo único.That's nice! I am an only child.
- LucíaEntiendo, mi familia es muy grande.I see, my family is very large.
