hermanito
/eɾmanito/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little brother" is translated into Spanish as hermanito.
Hermanito is a term used to refer to a younger brother, often used with affection.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining hermano (brother) with the diminutive suffix -ito (little).
Which one should you use?
While hermanito literally means "little brother," the diminutive -ito is often used to express affection rather than just physical size.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural masculine form hermanitos can refer to a group of little brothers or a mixed-gender group of little siblings.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmanito/
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean dialects, the diminutive can be used sarcastically to belittle someone, making hermanito sound patronizing rather than affectionate.
- In certain Latin American slang, the shortened version manito is used as a casual greeting similar to 'dude' or 'bro' in English.
- In some regions, hermanito is used in religious contexts to refer to a fellow member of a brotherhood or a spiritual peer.
Examples in context
- Sé buena con tu hermanito.Be nice to your little brother.This sentence shows how to use hermanito when giving advice to be kind.Tatoeba #10205327 by Shishir, translation #10205323 by DJ_Saidez
- ¡Bienvenido a casa, hermanito!Welcome home, little brother!This sentence demonstrates a warm, welcoming use of hermanito.Tatoeba #691754 by hayastan, translation #705269 by Zifre
- ¿Te alegras de tener un hermanito?Are you happy to have a little brother?This sentence is useful for asking about the happiness of having a hermanito.Tatoeba #6598988 by arh, translation #6610321 by jaxhere
- Mi hermano menor se llama JuanMy little brother's name is Juan
- Vamos al parque, hermanitoLet's go to the park, little brother
- Feliz cumpleaños, hermano menor. Eres el mejor regalo que podría haber recibido en mi vidaHappy birthday, little brother. You're the best gift I could have received in my life
- Hermanito, te prometo que siempre estaré aquí para ayudarteLittle brother, I promise I'll always be here to help you
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about María's family.
- Mateo¿Cómo está tu hermanito?How is your little brother?
- MaríaÉl está muy bien, gracias.He is doing very well, thank you.
- MateoMe alegra mucho oír eso.I am very happy to hear that.
- MaríaEs un niño muy dulce.He is a very sweet boy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
