cuñada
/kuˈɲada/
The Spanish word for sister-in-law is cuñada.
The term cuñada is used to refer to the sister of one's spouse or the wife of one's sibling.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses a hyphenated phrase to denote the relationship, Spanish uses a single noun. To refer to multiple sisters-in-law, use mis cuñadas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine singular form is cuñada. The plural form for multiple sisters-in-law is cuñadas. If you are referring to a brother-in-law, use the masculine form cuñado.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈɲada/
Did you know?
- In certain colloquial contexts, cuñado or cuñada can be used as a slang term for someone who is a 'know-it-all' or overly opinionated about topics they don't understand.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the term cuñada is used affectionately for the partner of a sibling even before the couple is legally married.
- The Spanish letter ñ in cuñada is a distinct sound that evolved from a double 'n' in Vulgar Latin, becoming a hallmark of the Spanish language.
Examples in context
- Mi cuñada es una persona admirable.My sister-in-law is an admirable person.
- La hermana de mi esposo es muy amable.My sister-in-law is very kind.
- La mujer de mi hermano es muy simpática.My sister-in-law is very friendly.
- Aprecio mucho a mi cuñada.I really appreciate my sister-in-law.
- Mi cuñada vive en Madrid.My sister-in-law lives in Madrid.
- Ella es mi cuñada.She is my sister-in-law.
- ¿Cómo está tu cuñada?How is your sister-in-law?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about family at a cafe.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿conoces a mi cuñada?Lucía, do you know my sister-in-law?
- LucíaNo, no la conozco.No, I don't know her.
- AlejandroEs una mujer muy simpática.She is a very nice woman.
- LucíaEspero conocerla pronto.I hope to meet her soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuñada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
