Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hermana menor | /eɾmana menoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| hermana pequeña | /eɾmana pekeɲa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| hermanita | /eɾmaˈnita/ | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase hermana pequeña, the word pequeña literally means 'small' or 'little', which is used to denote a younger sibling.
Which one should you use?
hermana pequeña is the most common way to describe a younger sister in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hermana menor is a standard and formal option. Hermana pequeña is used for everyday conversation. For an affectionate tone, you can use the diminutive hermanita to express endearment or to refer to a very young sister. Hermana chiquita is an informal way to say little sister.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Hermana menor is used in Spain and many Latin American countries. In some Spanish-speaking regions, people also use the phrase hermana más joven to indicate a younger sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to their feminine plural forms, such as hermanas menores.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmana menoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word hermana shares a common ancestor with the English word 'germane', which is used to describe something closely related or pertinent.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you are talking about a much younger sister, you might call her la peque, a shortened version of la pequeña, treating the adjective as a nickname.
- In certain religious contexts, particularly in Catholic traditions, hermana is used to address a nun regardless of whether she is a biological sibling or the youngest in the convent.
Examples in context
- Es la hermana menor de Tom.She's Tom's younger sister.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as Tom's hermana menor.Tatoeba #5173854 by gonsalet, translation #1523979 by CK
- Mi hermanita juega con muñecas.My younger sister plays with dolls.This sentence shows how to use hermanita when talking about a sister playing with dolls.Tatoeba #10068263 by Shishir, translation #10068251 by CK
- Tengo un hermano mayor y una hermana pequeña.I have an older brother and a younger sister.This sentence demonstrates how to use hermana pequeña in a sentence about siblings.Tatoeba #536522 by Shishir, translation #468001 by CK
- Mi hermana menor se llama Ana.My younger sister's name is Ana.
- Feliz cumpleaños, querida hermanita.Happy birthday, dear younger sister.
- Mi hermana pequeña siempre me hace reír.My little sister always makes me laugh.
- ¡Mira lo que hizo mi hermana chiquita!Look what my little sister did!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are looking at a photo on a phone.
- Sofía¿Quién es la niña de la foto?Who is the girl in the photo?
- DanielEs mi hermana menor.She is my younger sister.
- SofíaEs muy linda, Daniel.She is very cute, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, es muy inteligente.Thanks, Sofia, she is very intelligent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “younger sister” translations and entries hermanita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, hermanita, menor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
