mi hermano de otra madre
/mi eɾmano de otɾa madɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my brother from another mother" is translated into Spanish as mi hermano de otra madre.
mi hermano de otra madre is an informal direct translation of the English idiom used to describe a very close male friend who shares a bond with you as if you were related by blood. You may also use Mi hermano del alma, which literally means "brother of the soul".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mi hermano de otra madre is a literal word-for-word translation of the English expression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase mi hermano de otra madre is informal. Similarly, the expression Mi hermano del alma is also used in informal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different Spanish-speaking regions have their own ways to refer to a friend who feels like a brother. In Spain, you might say mi hermano del corazón (brother of the heart). In Mexico, you can use mi compadre or mi carnal to refer to a close friend as a brother figure. In Colombia, un parcero is a colloquial way to refer to a friend who feels like a brother.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi eɾmano de otɾa madɾe/
Did you know?
- The English word 'germane', meaning relevant or closely related, shares the same Latin root as the Spanish word hermano. Both words stem from the Latin 'germānus', which originally meant 'of a brother or sister'.
- The term mi compadre in Mexico is often used to describe a brother-like friend, but it technically refers to the relationship between a parent and a godparent.
- In Mexico, the term mi carnal is used for a brother-like friend. It comes from carne, meaning 'flesh', implying the friend is as close as one's own skin and bone.
Examples in context
- Carlos es mi amigo de toda la vida, él es como mi hermano de otra madre.Carlos is my lifelong friend, he's like my brother from another mother.
- Juan y yo somos más que amigos, él es mi hermano del alma.Juan and I are more than friends, he is my brother of the soul.
Example conversation
Elena introduces her best friend to Daniel.
- ElenaDaniel, te presento a Luis, mi hermano de otra madre.Daniel, let me introduce you to Luis, my brother from another mother.
- DanielHola Luis, es un gusto conocerte.Hi Luis, it is a pleasure to meet you.
- ElenaCrecimos juntos aunque no somos familia.We grew up together even though we aren't family.
- DanielSe nota que tienen una gran amistad.It shows that you have a great friendship.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hermano, madre, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
