Hola, hermano
/ˈola eɾˈmano/word by word
The English phrase 'hi brother' is translated into Spanish as Hola, hermano.
While Hola, hermano is the standard way to say 'hi brother', you can use other variations depending on the relationship. For a more endearing and informal way to say 'hi little brother', you can use Hola, hermanito. To say 'hey, big brother!', use ¡Hey, hermanote! Additionally, younger generations often use the English term 'bro' in the phrase ¡Hola, bro!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hola, hermanito is a common and endearing way to greet your brother informally. ¡Qué tal, hermano! is also a friendly and informal greeting. ¡Hola, bro! is a popular informal choice among younger generations.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Hola, hermano, a comma is used to separate the greeting from the person being addressed. Note that hermano is the masculine form. If you are addressing a sister, you would use hermana.
Did you know?
- Long ago, Spanish speakers used the word fradre for 'brother' before it was replaced by hermano.
- In some Latin American countries, mi hermano can be used sarcastically to address someone who is being overly dramatic or pretentious.
- In some regions, using hermano as a greeting with a stranger can be a way to establish immediate trust or a sense of camaraderie.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, hermanito! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, little brother! How are you?
- Hola, hermano, ¿cómo estás?Hi brother, how are you?
- ¡Hola, hermano! Tanto tiempo sin verte.Hi brother! It's been a long time since I saw you.
- Hola, hermano, ¿vienes a la fiesta?Hi brother, are you coming to the party?
Example conversation
Daniel greets his sibling at home.
- DanielHola, hermano, ¿qué haces?Hi brother, what are you doing?
- SofíaHola, Daniel, estoy estudiando.Hi, Daniel, I am studying.
- Daniel¿Necesitas ayuda con eso?Do you need help with that?
- SofíaNo, gracias, ya casi termino.No, thanks, I am almost finished.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hola, hermano) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermano, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
