mi primo
/mi pɾimo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my cousin" is translated into Spanish as mi primo.
The phrase refers to a male relative who is the child of one's aunt or uncle.
Which one should you use?
mi primo is used for a single male cousin, whereas mi prima is used for a single female cousin.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single female cousin, use the feminine form mi prima. If you are referring to a group consisting only of female cousins, use the feminine plural form mis primas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi pɾimo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word primo is used as an informal way to address a complete stranger, acting similarly to the English words 'buddy' or 'mate'.
- The word primo shares the same Latin root as the English word 'prime', both originating from the concept of being 'first' or 'foremost'.
- Because Spanish uses gendered nouns, if you have a group of ten cousins and nine are female but one is male, you must use the masculine mis primos to include everyone.
Examples in context
- No es mi primo.He isn't my cousin.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is not mi primo.Tatoeba #399804 by hayastan, translation #297738 by CK
- Tom es mi primo.Tom is my cousin.This sentence is useful for identifying Tom as mi primo.Tatoeba #2343139 by hayastan, translation #2273297 by CK
- Este es mi primo.This is my cousin.This sentence is useful for introducing someone as mi primo.Tatoeba #1351441 by marcelostockle, translation #61487 by CK
- Mi primo trabaja como médico.My cousin works as a doctor.
- Necesito hablar con mi prima.I need to talk to my cousin.
- Voy a visitar a mi primo esta tarde.I'm going to visit my cousin this afternoon.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at an old photo album.
- JavierMira, este es mi primo Luis.Look, this is my cousin Luis.
- MaríaEs muy guapo, Javier.He is very handsome, Javier.
- JavierSí, mi primo siempre fue muy divertido.Yes, my cousin was always very funny.
- MaríaSe nota en su sonrisa.It shows in his smile.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
