sobrinas
/sobɾinas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "nieces" is translated into Spanish as sobrinas.
sobrinas is used to refer to the daughters of one's brother or sister.
Which one should you use?
While sobrinas refers specifically to a group of female nieces, the masculine form sobrinos is used to refer to a mixed-gender group of nieces and nephews.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of sobrinas is sobrina.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾinas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to call a close family friend's daughter sobrina as a term of endearment, even without a biological link.
- Spanish uses the gender-neutral masculine plural sobrinos to include both nieces and nephews, but in modern inclusive Spanish, some people use the ending sobrines to avoid gender distinctions entirely.
- In some traditional Spanish-speaking households, the role of the tía (aunt) is culturally distinct from the mother, often acting as a confidante or a 'safe' adult for the sobrinas to talk to about secrets.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene tres sobrinas.Tom has three nieces.This sentence is useful for showing how to state the number of nieces someone has.Tatoeba #1711173 by hayastan, translation #1025292 by CK
- Esas tres chicas bonitas son todas sobrinas mías.These three pretty girls are all nieces of mine.This sentence demonstrates how to describe a group of girls as being the speaker's nieces.Tatoeba #553299 by Leono, translation #61394 by CM
- Tengo dos sobrinas.I have two nieces.This sentence shows how to express the possession of two nieces.Tatoeba #383874 by hayastan, translation #383876 by CK
- Mis sobrinas son muy inteligentesMy nieces are very intelligent
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their family members at a cafe.
- Elena¿Cuántas sobrinas tienes, Javier?How many nieces do you have, Javier?
- JavierTengo dos sobrinas muy divertidas.I have two very fun nieces.
- ElenaMis sobrinas también son muy inteligentes.My nieces are also very intelligent.
- JavierQué bueno que tu familia sea tan grande.It's good that your family is so big.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
