hermana
standard
In Ecuador sister is hermana. A warm informal word that comes from Kichwa is ñaña.
Meaning: female sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| hermana | standard |
| Ñaña | Ecuador, informal |
Use mi hermana in any situation. Ñaña is affectionate and often used for a close sister or a female friend.
Which one should you use?
The male form is ñaño. Both words are typical of Ecuador and the Andean region.
Did you know?
- Ñaña and ñaño are used among siblings and close friends in Ecuador.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana vive en Quito.My sister lives in Quito.
- Mi ñaña me ayudó mucho.My sister helped me a lot.
- Voy a visitar a mis hermanas.I am going to visit my sisters.
Example conversation
Gabriel talks about his family with a colleague in Ambato.
- GabrielEste fin de semana veo a mi hermana.This weekend I see my sister.
- Colega¿Vive lejos?Does she live far away?
- GabrielEn Cuenca, pero la visito seguido.In Cuenca, but I visit often.
