sobrina
/soˈbɾina/feminine
The Spanish word for niece is sobrina.
The term sobrina is used to describe a niece, which refers to the daughter of one's brother or sister.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal niece (noun)
Which one should you use?
The feminine form sobrina refers specifically to a niece, while the masculine form sobrino is used for a nephew. To refer to a mixed-gender group containing both nieces and nephews, use the masculine plural form sobrinos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the informal term sobri is used for a niece or a nephew.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a group of nieces and nephews of different genders, you must use the masculine plural form sobrinos.
How do you pronounce it?
/soˈbɾina/
Did you know?
- In very formal or old-fashioned legal documents, a 'sobrina segunda' refers to a first cousin once removed, rather than a direct niece.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, an aunt or uncle might call a niece sobrina even if there is no biological relation, such as with a very close family friend's daughter.
- The word sobrino can be used in some dialects to refer to a godchild, blending the role of the sibling's child with that of a sponsored child.
Examples in context
- Mary es mi sobrina.Mary's my niece.This sentence shows how to identify a person as your sobrina.Tatoeba #2225389 by Shishir, translation #1841597 by CK
- Mi sobrina es una niña seria.My niece is a serious girl.This sentence uses sobrina to describe a person's personality.Tatoeba #1349402 by marcelostockle, translation #682004 by Source_VOA
- Mi sobrina es un as a este juego.My niece is an ace at this game.This sentence uses sobrina to describe someone's skill at a game.Tatoeba #10239410 by Seael, translation #10248616 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Mi sobrina es una estudiante muy inteligenteMy niece is a very intelligent student
- La hija de mi hermano va a estudiar medicinaMy brother's daughter is going to study medicine
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about family photos.
- Mateo¿Es esa tu sobrina?Is that your niece?
- ElenaSí, es mi sobrina favorita.Yes, she is my favorite niece.
- MateoSe parece mucho a ti.She looks a lot like you.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “niece” translations and entries sobrina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
