hermana
/eɾˈmana/feminine
The Spanish word for sister is hermana.
hermana is used to refer to a woman or girl who has the same parents as someone else. In a religious context, this word is also used to refer to a nun.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Which one should you use?
While hermana refers specifically to a sister, the masculine form hermano is used for a brother. When referring to a group of siblings that includes both brothers and sisters, the masculine plural form hermanos is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of hermana is hermanas.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmana/
Did you know?
- The word hermana shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the English word 'germane', meaning relevant or closely related.
- While hermana means sister, the Spanish word for 'sister-in-law' is cuñada, which has no linguistic relation to the word for sibling.
- In certain Latin American countries, the term hermanita is used not just for a little sister, but as an affectionate way to address any younger woman.
Examples in context
- Yo soy tu hermana.I'm your sister.This sentence shows how to use hermana to identify yourself as someone's sister.Tatoeba #1982877 by marcelostockle, translation #1979740 by CM
- Esa es mi hermana.That's my sister.This sentence shows how to use hermana to identify another person as your sister.Tatoeba #9679363 by Shishir, translation #2251101 by CK
- Odio a mi hermana.I hate my sister.This sentence shows how to use hermana to express a feeling toward your sister.Tatoeba #9703943 by stormy_clau, translation #2569587 by Hybrid
- Tengo una hermana muy cariñosa.I have a very loving sister.
- Me gustaría presentarte a mi hermana mayor.I would like to introduce you to my older sister.
- Estoy muy orgulloso de mi hermanita.I am very proud of my little sister.
- Hola, hermanita. ¿Cómo estás hoy?Hello, little sister. How are you today?
- 684 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking at a family photo.
- Lucía¿Quién es la chica en la foto?Who is the girl in the photo?
- AlejandroElla es mi hermana mayor.She is my older sister.
- LucíaTu hermana es muy bonita.Your sister is very pretty.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía. Ella es muy simpática también.Thank you, Lucía. She is very nice too.
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.
