hermanos
/eɾmanos/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for siblings is hermanos.
hermanos refers to people who share the same parents. It is used to describe a group of brothers, or a mixed-gender group of siblings.
Which one should you use?
While hermanos is the standard way to say siblings, it can also mean 'brothers' depending on the context of the group's gender.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, carnal is widely used to refer to brothers or friends as if they were siblings. When addressing younger siblings or children in a playful manner, you can use the term peque or chiqui.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form hermanos is used to refer to a group of brothers, or a mixed-gender group of siblings. The feminine singular form hermana refers to a single sister.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmanos/
Did you know?
- In Spain, you might hear someone refer to a person as an hermano de leche, which literally translates to 'milk brother' and means a sibling from a wet nurse.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a 'sibling' relationship is extended to primos, as cousins are often treated and referred to as brothers and sisters.
- While hermanos means siblings, the term hermanos is also used by religious communities to refer to members of their faith as 'brethren'.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene dos hermanos.Tom has two siblings.This sentence is useful for stating how many hermanos someone has.Tatoeba #10124581 by manufrutos, translation #7463370 by shekitten
- Mi padre tiene cinco hermanos.My father has five siblings.This sentence is useful for stating how many hermanos a parent has.Tatoeba #1266491 by Shishir, translation #1265004 by yifen238
- Los hermanos no se llevan bien.The siblings don't get along well.This sentence is useful for describing the relationship between hermanos.Tatoeba #13093254 by arh, translation #13602265 by sfgdh
- Me gustaría presentarles a mis hermanos y hermanas.I would like to introduce you to my brothers and sisters.
- Para mí, cada uno de ustedes es como un hermano o una hermana.To me, each one of you is like a brother or sister.
- Estoy agradecido de trabajar con estos increíbles compañeros. Son como mis hermanos en el trabajo.I am grateful to work with these amazing colleagues. They are like my siblings at work.
- Hola a todos, estos son mis hermanos.Hi, everyone, these are my siblings.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their families at a coffee shop.
- Javier¿Tienes hermanos, María?Do you have siblings, María?
- MaríaSí, tengo dos hermanos.Yes, I have two siblings.
- JavierYo también tengo tres hermanos.I also have three siblings.
- María¡Qué bien! Tu familia es grande.That's great! Your family is 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.
