gemelos
standard, Mexico
In Mexico twins are gemelos, or gemelas if both are girls. In casual speech Mexicans also say cuates.
Meaning: two children born together (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| gemelos | standard, Mexico |
| cuates | casual, Mexico |
Cuate comes from Nahuatl and also means "buddy" or "pal" in Mexico, so context shows whether it means twin or friend.
Which one should you use?
In Spain and the Southern Cone, mellizos is common for fraternal twins, while in Mexico gemelos is the standard word for both kinds.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use gemelos for a mixed or male pair and gemelas only for two girls.
Did you know?
- The Mexican word cuate comes from the Nahuatl word for twin, which later broadened to mean a close friend.
Examples in context
- Mis primos son gemelos.My cousins are twins.
- Tuvo dos gemelas.She had twin girls.
- Esos cuates se parecen mucho.Those twins look very alike.
Example conversation
Neighbors Irma and Sergio talk about the twin boys who just moved to their street in León.
- IrmaSergio, ¿conociste a los gemelos nuevos?Sergio, did you meet the new twins?
- SergioSí, son idénticos, no los distingo.Yes, they are identical, I cannot tell them apart.
- IrmaDicen que uno es más callado.They say one is quieter.
