Which one should you use?
While hermano literally refers to a biological brother, its colloquial use allows it to function as a term of endearment or a casual way to address a peer, similar to "bro."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone hermano is an informal way to address a friend, much like using "bro" or "dude" in English. Due to English influence, some speakers also use the term "bro" in informal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Mexico and Central America, you may hear cuate to refer to a close friend or "buddy." Additionally, in some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, the term compa is used informally to mean "bro" or "mate."
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of hermano is hermana (sister). When using the plural form hermanos, it can refer to a group of brothers or a mixed-gender group of siblings.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmano/
Did you know?
- The English word 'germane', meaning relevant or appropriate, shares the same Latin root as hermano.
- Catholic religious orders often refer to their members as hermanos regardless of whether they are biological siblings.
- Calling a stranger hermano in some regions can feel overly intimate, so it is usually reserved for people you already know or in very specific street slang contexts.
Examples in context
- Es un honor tenerlo como hermano.It is an honor to have you as a brother.
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, hermanito!Happy birthday, little brother!
- ¡Hola, hermano! ¿Cómo estás?Hey, brother! How are you?
- Oye, compa, ¿me puedes prestar tu bicicleta?Hey, bro, can you lend me your bike?
- ¿Vamos al cine este fin de semana, pana?Shall we go to the movies this weekend, bro?
- Mi hermano vive en Madrid.My brother lives in Madrid.
- Tengo un hermano menor.I have a younger brother.
- Él es mi hermano.He is my brother.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their families at a café.
- Elena¿Tienes algún hermano?Do you have a brother?
- JavierSí, tengo un hermano mayor.Yes, I have an older brother.
- Elena¡Qué bien! ¿Cómo se llama tu hermano?That's great! What is your brother's name?
- JavierSe llama Luis.His name is Luis.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hermano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
