hermana
/eɾˈmana/feminine
The Spanish word for sister is hermana.
The word hermana refers to a woman or girl having the same parents. This includes biological sisters, as well as step-sisters or half-sisters.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the feminine form hermana when referring to a single sister, and the masculine form hermano when referring to a single brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'sisters', use hermanas. If you are referring to a mixed-gender group of siblings (both brothers and sisters), use the masculine plural form hermanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmana/
Did you know?
- The word hermana shares a common ancestor with the English word 'germane', which describes something closely related or relevant.
- The word hermanita is a common diminutive used not just for small children, but to express tenderness toward an older sister.
- In some Caribbean Spanish dialects, people use hermana or mana as a casual way to address women in the street, similar to 'sister' or 'girl' in English.
Examples in context
- Yo soy tu hermana.I'm your sister.This sentence is useful for identifying yourself as a sister.Tatoeba #1982877 by marcelostockle, translation #1979740 by CM
- Esa es mi hermana.That's my sister.This sentence is useful for pointing out a sister.Tatoeba #9679363 by Shishir, translation #2251101 by CK
- Odio a mi hermana.I hate my sister.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling toward a sister.Tatoeba #9703943 by stormy_clau, translation #2569587 by Hybrid
- Hermana, ¿cómo te fue en el trabajo?Sister, how was your day at work?
- 684 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about their family.
- Sofía¿Tienes una hermana?Do you have a sister?
- MateoSí, tengo una hermana mayor.Yes, I have an older sister.
- SofíaMi hermana también es mayor que yo.My sister is also older than me.
- Mateo¡Qué coincidencia!What a coincidence!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
