hola hermana
/ola eɾmana/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hey sis" can be translated into Spanish as hola hermana.
The phrase hola hermana is an informal way to say "Hello sister" when greeting your sister. While it is a direct translation of the English phrase, Spanish speakers often prefer using terms of endearment or nicknames when speaking informally to siblings.
Which one should you use?
hola hermana is a direct way to say "hey sis", but you may encounter hola hermanita which translates to "hello little sister". Using the diminutive hermanita is a common way to express affection or to refer to a younger sister.
Did you know?
- The word hermana shares a historical root with the English word 'germane', which refers to something being closely related or relevant.
- While hermana is the standard term, in many Latin American countries, people use the term mana as a highly informal, shortened slang version.
- Spanish has no single word that perfectly captures the English 'sibling', so speakers must specify hermano or hermana based on gender.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola hermana! ¿Cómo estás? ¿Quieres salir a comer?Hey sis! How are you? Do you want to go out for a meal?
Example conversation
Mateo walks into the living room where María is sitting.
- MateoHola hermana, ¿viste mi libro?Hey sis, did you see my book?
- MaríaNo, no lo he visto.No, I haven't seen it.
- MateoLo dejé aquí ayer.I left it here yesterday.
- MaríaBusca en tu cuarto, Mateo.Look in your room, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
