hermano
/eɾˈmano/masculine
The Spanish word for sibling is hermano. Wiktionary also lists hermana.
Meaning: person who shares same parents (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hermano | /eɾˈmano/ | masculine |
| hermana | /eɾˈmana/ | feminine |
hermano and hermana are used to describe a person who shares the same parents.
Which one should you use?
While English has a gender-neutral word 'sibling', Spanish typically uses the masculine plural form hermanos to express the concept of 'siblings' in a general or mixed-gender sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form hermanos is used to refer to a group of only brothers or a group of siblings of mixed gender (brothers and sisters).
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmano/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often look for a single gender-neutral noun for 'sibling', but in Spanish, you must use the masculine plural hermanos to refer to a group of siblings.
Did you know?
- The English word 'germane', meaning relevant or closely related, actually shares the same root as hermano.
- In religious contexts, hermano is frequently used to address a fellow member of a church, regardless of biological relation.
- The term hermanita or hermanito is frequently used to express deep affection, even if the sibling is an adult.
Examples in context
- Eres un buen hermanoYou're a good sibling.This sentence is useful for describing a person's character as a sibling.Tatoeba #6171516 by DerSolid, translation #6171192 by RobinvanderVliet
- Él dio sangre para poder salvar a su hermanoHe gave blood in order to save his sibling.This sentence is useful for describing a life-saving situation involving a sibling.Tatoeba #6171518 by DerSolid, translation #6171174 by RobinvanderVliet
- Ella donó sangre para poder salvar a su hermano.She gave blood in order to save her sibling.Tatoeba #6171517 by DerSolid, translation #6171173 by RobinvanderVliet
- Mi hermana es mayor que yo.My sister is older than me.
- Tengo tres hermanos.I have three siblings.
- Mi hermanito siempre me sigue a todos lados.My little brother always follows me around.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their families.
- AlejandroTengo un hermano mayor.I have an older sibling.
- María¿Cómo se llama tu hermano?What is your sibling's name?
- AlejandroSe llama Luis.His name is Luis.
- MaríaQué bueno que tengas un hermano.It's great that you have a sibling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sibling” translations and entries hermano, hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, hermano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
