hermana mediana
/eɾmana medjana/from spelling rules
The English phrase "middle sister" is translated into Spanish as hermana mediana.
The phrase refers to a sister who is born between an older sibling and a younger sibling.
Which one should you use?
While hermana mediana refers to the middle position, hermana mayor is used for the eldest sister or hermana menor, which is used for the youngest sister.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, one way to refer to a middle sister is La hermana del medio, La hermana intermedia or La hermana del medio de los tres. La hermana del medio can be used informally within a family or close circle.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'middle child syndrome' is discussed using the term hijo medio, but the specific social dynamics are often attributed to the hijo sándwich or 'sandwich child'.
- The word hermana shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'germane', which refers to something being relevant or closely related.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the youngest child is specifically referred to as la benjamina instead of just hermana menor.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana mediana es una persona muy responsable.My middle sister is a very responsible person.
- Ella es mi hermana mediana.She is my middle sister.
- Mi hermana mediana vive en Madrid.My middle sister lives in Madrid.
- Tengo una hermana mediana y una menor.I have a middle sister and a younger one.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families at a café.
- María¿Cuántos hermanos tienes en total?How many siblings do you have in total?
- AlejandroSoy el mayor, pero tengo una hermana mediana.I am the oldest, but I have a middle sister.
- María¿Cómo se llama tu hermana mediana?What is your middle sister's name?
- AlejandroSe llama Elena.Her name is Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
