hermana
/eɾˈmana/feminine
The Spanish word for sister is hermana.
hermana is a feminine noun used to refer to a woman or girl who has the same parents as another person. In certain Latin American countries, most notably Mexico, the colloquial term mana is sometimes used to mean 'sis'.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Which one should you use?
While hermana is the standard term for a sister, you might use the diminutive Hermanita to express intimacy or fondness toward her. If you are specifically referring to a stepsister, use the term Hermanastra.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word can be shortened to ermá in casual conversation. In some Latin American countries, specifically Mexico, mana is used as a colloquialism for sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of the word is hermano, which means brother. To refer to multiple sisters, use the plural form hermanas. If you are referring to a group of siblings that includes both brothers and sisters, use the masculine plural form hermanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmana/
Did you know?
- The word hermana is an unexpected relative of the English word 'germane', which describes something closely related or relevant.
- Catholic nuns are addressed as hermana regardless of whether they have biological siblings.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, hermana is used to describe a very close female friend, similar to the English 'sister from another mister'.
Examples in context
- Yo soy tu hermana.I'm your sister.Tatoeba #1982877 by marcelostockle, translation #1979740 by CM
- Esa es mi hermana.That's my sister.Tatoeba #9679363 by Shishir, translation #2251101 by CK
- Odio a mi hermana.I hate my sister.Tatoeba #9703943 by stormy_clau, translation #2569587 by Hybrid
- Mi hermana es mi mejor amiga.My sister is my best friend.
- Hola, hermanita. ¿Cómo estás?Hi, little sister. How are you?
- No tengo hermanas biológicas, solo hermanastras, pero las queremos igual.I don't have any biological sisters, only stepsisters, but we love each other the same.
- 684 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about their families at a cafe.
- Sofía¿Cuántas hermanas tienes, Javier?How many sisters do you have, Javier?
- JavierTengo una hermana menor.I have one younger sister.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! Mi hermana vive en Madrid.That's great! My sister lives in Madrid.
- JavierTu hermana tiene mucha suerte.Your sister is very lucky.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
