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A1 noun #1,525 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

sister

At the A1 level, the word sister is one of the very first nouns you will learn. It is a basic family word. A sister is a girl or a woman who has the same mother and father as you. When you start learning English, you learn how to talk about yourself and your family. You will use the word sister to tell people who lives in your house. For example, you might say, 'I have one sister.' You also learn to use simple adjectives with this word. You can say 'big sister' if she is older than you, or 'little sister' if she is younger than you. You will learn how to use possessive words like 'my', 'your', 'his', and 'her' with sister. 'This is my sister.' 'What is your sister's name?' These are very common questions and sentences for beginners. At this level, you only need to understand the literal, biological meaning of the word. You do not need to worry about the complicated figurative meanings or religious titles yet. Just focus on using it to describe your family tree. It is a very easy word to pronounce and spell, making it perfect for A1 learners. Practice saying 'sister' and 'brother' together, as they are the most important sibling words. Knowing this word helps you make simple conversations with new friends about your home life. It is a foundational word that you will use every day in basic English communication.
At the A2 level, your understanding of the word sister expands slightly. You already know it means a female sibling. Now, you will start to learn more ways to describe her and your relationship with her. You will learn adjectives like 'older' and 'younger' instead of just 'big' and 'little'. You might say, 'My older sister is at university.' You will also learn about extended family terms that include the word sister, such as 'half-sister' (sharing one parent) and 'step-sister' (related by parents' marriage). This helps you describe more complex modern family structures. At A2, you will practice talking about what you do with your sister. 'I play tennis with my sister.' 'My sister and I like to watch movies.' You will also become more comfortable using the possessive form correctly: 'My sister's car is red.' You might also encounter the word in simple reading texts, like short stories about families or letters from pen pals. You should be able to answer questions like, 'How many sisters do you have?' and 'What does your sister look like?' The focus remains on family, but your ability to provide details and context increases. You are building a stronger vocabulary around the core concept of family relationships, allowing for more interesting and sustained conversations about personal backgrounds.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use the word sister with much more fluency and in slightly broader contexts. You can discuss the dynamics of your relationship with your sister, using more complex emotional vocabulary. You might say, 'My sister and I are very close, but we sometimes argue.' You will learn compound nouns like 'sister-in-law' and understand how to use them when talking about marriage and extended families. At this intermediate stage, you will also start to recognize the figurative uses of the word. You might hear women refer to their close friends as 'sisters' to show a strong bond of friendship and solidarity. You will understand phrases like 'She is like a sister to me.' Furthermore, you will encounter the word as a title in religious contexts, understanding that 'Sister Teresa' refers to a nun. You should be comfortable reading articles or watching TV shows where sister relationships are a main theme, understanding the plot without needing to look up the word. You will also practice using the plural possessive correctly in writing, distinguishing between 'my sister's room' (one sister) and 'my sisters' room' (two or more sisters). Your grasp of the word moves from simple identification to describing complex social and emotional connections.
At the B2 level, your use of the word sister becomes highly nuanced and idiomatic. You are comfortable with all family-related compound nouns and their correct pluralizations (e.g., knowing it is 'sisters-in-law', not 'sister-in-laws'). You can engage in deep discussions about sibling rivalry, birth order psychology, and family dynamics using sophisticated vocabulary. You fully grasp the metaphorical and cultural extensions of the word. You understand the concept of 'sisterhood' as a social and political force, recognizing its use in feminist literature and women's rights movements. You will encounter business terms like 'sister company' and understand that it means two companies owned by the same parent corporation. You might also hear about 'sister cities', which are towns or cities in different countries that have a formal agreement to promote cultural and commercial ties. At this upper-intermediate level, you can appreciate the subtleties of tone when the word is used in slang or casual conversation, such as a friendly greeting between peers. You are able to read complex novels where the relationship between sisters drives the narrative, understanding the underlying themes of loyalty and betrayal. Your vocabulary around the word is rich, allowing you to use it accurately in academic, professional, and highly informal settings.
At the C1 level, you have an advanced, near-native command of the word sister and its myriad applications. You understand its etymology and how its usage has evolved over time. You can effortlessly navigate highly specific jargon and institutional uses. For instance, you are aware of the historical British medical context where a senior nurse is called a 'Ward Sister'. You can analyze literature and poetry, discussing the symbolic representation of sisters as dualities or alter egos. In sociological or political discussions, you can articulate the nuances of 'global sisterhood' and the intersectional challenges within feminist movements. You use idiomatic expressions naturally, such as 'weak sister' (an unreliable member of a group, though slightly dated) or 'sob sister' (a journalist who writes sentimental stories). You are highly sensitive to register, knowing exactly when it is appropriate to use 'sister' as a slang term of endearment versus when it requires formal capitalization as a religious title. Your writing is flawless regarding possessives and compound plurals. You can easily comprehend and produce complex texts, such as academic essays on family structures or professional reports detailing the relationship between sister organizations. The word is fully integrated into your advanced lexicon.
At the C2 level, your mastery of the word sister is absolute, reflecting the proficiency of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and linguistic weight the word carries across different English-speaking societies. You can engage in high-level academic discourse regarding the sociological implications of sisterhood, kinship terminology across cultures, and the legal definitions of siblinghood in inheritance law. You are familiar with obscure or archaic uses of the word found in classical literature and historical texts. You can deconstruct how the concept of a 'sister' is utilized in rhetoric to foster artificial kinship in political propaganda or corporate branding. You effortlessly manipulate the word in creative writing, inventing new metaphors or subverting traditional tropes associated with sisterly bonds. You understand the subtle phonetic variations in how the word is pronounced across different global dialects of English. At this mastery level, the word 'sister' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool that you use to explore and articulate complex ideas about human connection, societal structures, and identity with complete precision and eloquence.
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sister في 30 ثانية

  • A female sibling sharing parents.
  • A close female friend.
  • A nun in a religious order.
  • A member of a sorority.
The word sister is a noun that primarily refers to a female sibling, which means a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. This is the most common and literal definition of the word, used in everyday language to describe family relationships. Understanding this word is essential for basic communication about one's family, background, and personal life. In many cultures, the concept of a sister extends beyond just biological connections. It can include half-sisters, who share only one parent, and step-sisters, who are related through the marriage of their parents. Furthermore, adopted sisters are fully recognized as sisters in every meaningful way, highlighting that family is defined by love and legal bonds as much as by genetics.

She is my older sister.

Biological Sister
A female sibling who shares both biological parents with you.
Beyond the literal family definition, the word sister is frequently used in a figurative sense to describe a woman with whom one shares a strong bond, similar to that of a family member. This usage emphasizes solidarity, mutual support, and deep friendship among women. For example, women in a close-knit community or a shared struggle might refer to each other as sisters.

We are not related, but she is my sister in spirit.

In religious contexts, particularly within Christianity, the term Sister is used as a title for a nun or a woman who belongs to a religious order. In this case, it is capitalized when used as a title before a name, such as Sister Mary. This reflects a spiritual kinship and a life dedicated to religious service.

The hospital was founded by Sister Catherine.

Religious Sister
A woman who has taken vows in a religious community.
Additionally, in universities and colleges, particularly in the United States, female students who are members of a sorority refer to each other as sorority sisters. This highlights the lifelong bonds and networking connections formed within these social organizations. The term is also used in trade unions or political movements to address female members, emphasizing equality and shared goals.

She met her sorority sister for lunch.

In modern slang, especially within certain cultural groups or online communities, sister can be used as a casual term of address for any woman or even as a gender-neutral term of camaraderie, popularized by internet personalities. This shows how the word continues to evolve in contemporary language.

Hey sister, how are you doing today?

Slang Sister
A casual greeting for a friend or peer.
To summarize, while the core meaning of sister remains rooted in biological and legal family structures, its usage has expanded significantly to encompass spiritual, social, and cultural relationships, making it a versatile and deeply emotional word in the English language.
Using the word sister correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a countable noun and its various collocations. As a countable noun, it can be singular (sister) or plural (sisters). When talking about your family, you typically use possessive adjectives like my, your, his, her, our, or their before the word. For example, you would say 'my sister' or 'her sisters'. It is important to remember that when referring to a specific sister by name, the word sister is usually not capitalized unless it is part of a title.

I have one brother and one sister.

Singular vs Plural
Use 'sister' for one, and 'sisters' for more than one.
When describing a sister, we often use adjectives related to age. The most common collocations are 'older sister', 'elder sister', 'younger sister', and 'little sister'. 'Older' and 'younger' are the standard terms, while 'elder' is slightly more formal and 'little' is more affectionate and informal. You can also use adjectives to describe the nature of the relationship, such as 'half-sister' or 'step-sister'.

My little sister is starting school today.

In formal writing or legal contexts, the term 'sister' is used straightforwardly to establish next of kin or family relations. In these situations, clarity is key, so specifying 'biological sister' or 'adopted sister' might be necessary depending on the legal requirements. However, in everyday conversation, people rarely make these distinctions unless asked specifically.

The property was left to his sister.

Legal Context
Used to denote immediate family members in documents.
When using 'sister' as a title for a nun, it must always be capitalized and is usually followed by the woman's chosen religious name. This is a sign of respect and acknowledges her position within the religious community. It is incorrect to use a lowercase 's' in this specific context.

We spoke with Sister Margaret after the service.

Another common usage is in compound nouns, such as 'sister-in-law'. This refers to the sister of one's spouse, or the wife of one's brother. The plural form of this compound noun can be tricky for learners; the correct plural is 'sisters-in-law', not 'sister-in-laws'. This rule applies to all similar compound family terms.

Both of my sisters-in-law are coming to dinner.

Compound Noun Plurals
Add the 's' to the main noun: sisters-in-law.
Finally, 'sister' can be used as an adjective to describe things that are closely related or paired, such as 'sister cities', 'sister companies', or 'sister ships'. This usage implies a close association, shared origin, or mutual agreement between two entities.
The word sister is ubiquitous in the English language, meaning you will hear it in almost every conceivable context where human relationships are discussed. In everyday conversation, it is one of the first words children learn and use. You will hear people talking about their sisters at school, at work, in parks, and at social gatherings. It is a fundamental building block of personal storytelling and sharing information about one's background.

I am going shopping with my sister later.

Everyday Talk
Commonly heard in casual conversations about family plans.
In popular culture, sisters are a central theme in countless movies, television shows, books, and songs. From classic literature like 'Little Women' to modern animated films like 'Frozen', the dynamic between sisters is explored extensively. These stories often highlight the complex mix of love, rivalry, support, and conflict that characterizes sibling relationships. You will frequently hear the word in dialogue, song lyrics, and titles of entertainment media.

The movie is about a girl and her magical sister.

In medical and hospital settings, you might hear the word sister used in a slightly different way, particularly in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries. Historically, a senior female nurse in charge of a ward was called a 'Sister' or 'Ward Sister'. While this usage is becoming less common as job titles modernize, it is still encountered in medical dramas and older literature.

Please ask the Ward Sister for the patient's chart.

Medical Context
A traditional title for a senior nurse in the UK.
In religious institutions, particularly Catholic convents, schools, and hospitals, the term Sister is used constantly as a form of address. You will hear students addressing their teachers as Sister, and members of the congregation using the title respectfully. This context emphasizes the spiritual dedication of the women bearing the title.

Sister Anne teaches mathematics at the local school.

You will also hear the word in the context of social movements and activism. Phrases like 'sisters in the struggle' or 'global sisterhood' are used to invoke a sense of unity and shared purpose among women fighting for equal rights, social justice, or political change. This powerful rhetorical use of the word emphasizes solidarity over biological connection.

We must stand together as sisters to demand equality.

Activism
Used to promote unity and solidarity among women.
Finally, in the business world, you might hear about 'sister companies'. This refers to two or more companies that are owned by the same parent company. While they operate independently, they share a corporate lineage, much like biological sisters share parents. This is a common term in corporate finance and business news.
While sister is a basic vocabulary word, English learners still make several common mistakes when using it. One of the most frequent errors involves the pluralization of compound nouns containing the word sister, specifically 'sister-in-law'. Many learners incorrectly add the plural 's' to the end of the entire phrase, saying 'sister-in-laws'. The correct grammatical rule is to pluralize the main noun, which is 'sister'. Therefore, the correct plural form is 'sisters-in-law'.

Incorrect: I have two sister-in-laws. Correct: I have two sisters-in-law.

Plural Error
Always pluralize the main noun in compound family terms.
Another common mistake is confusing 'sister' with the gender-neutral term 'sibling'. While a sister is a type of sibling, the words are not always interchangeable. If you want to ask someone if they have any brothers or sisters without specifying gender, you should ask, 'Do you have any siblings?' Asking 'Do you have any sisters?' specifically inquires only about female siblings, which might not be the intended question.

Are you an only child, or do you have siblings?

Capitalization errors are also frequent. Learners sometimes capitalize 'sister' in the middle of a sentence when referring to their family member, writing 'My Sister is tall'. The word should only be capitalized if it is the first word of a sentence or if it is used as a formal title, such as 'Sister Mary'. In all other general uses, it must remain lowercase.

Incorrect: I love my Sister. Correct: I love my sister.

Capitalization
Do not capitalize family words unless they are used as names or titles.
Pronunciation can also be a slight stumbling block. Some learners might emphasize the second syllable, saying 'sis-TER'. The correct stress is always on the first syllable: 'SIS-ter'. Ensuring the correct syllable stress makes your English sound much more natural and fluent. Additionally, the 'er' sound at the end should be a soft schwa sound in British English, or a clear rhotic 'r' in American English.

Listen to the stress: SIS-ter.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the possessive form. To say that something belongs to your sister, you add an apostrophe and an 's' ('s). So, it becomes 'my sister's book'. If something belongs to multiple sisters, the apostrophe goes after the plural 's', becoming 'my sisters' room'. Mixing up the singular and plural possessive forms is a common writing error that can change the meaning of the sentence.

This is my sister's car (one sister). This is my sisters' car (two sisters share it).

Possessive Forms
Pay attention to apostrophe placement for singular vs plural.
By paying attention to these common pitfalls—pluralizing compound nouns, distinguishing from 'sibling', correct capitalization, proper syllable stress, and accurate possessive forms—learners can master the use of the word sister and communicate more effectively about family relationships.
When learning the word sister, it is highly beneficial to learn related vocabulary that describes family and relationships. The most direct counterpart to sister is 'brother', which refers to a male sibling. Together, brothers and sisters are collectively referred to as 'siblings'. Knowing these three words forms the foundation for describing immediate family structures in English.

I have one brother and two sisters; we are three siblings in total.

Brother
A male sibling sharing the same parents.
If you want to describe a female relative who is not a sister, you might use words like 'cousin', 'aunt', or 'niece'. A cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle, and the word is gender-neutral in English. An aunt is the sister of your father or mother, and a niece is the daughter of your brother or sister. These words help map out the extended family tree beyond the immediate household.

My mother's sister is my aunt.

In contexts where 'sister' is used figuratively to denote a close bond, similar words include 'friend', 'companion', 'confidante', or 'soulmate'. A confidante is a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others. When women refer to their close friends as sisters, they are elevating the status of the friendship to that of a trusted confidante or soulmate.

She is not just a friend; she is my confidante.

Confidante
A highly trusted female friend.
For religious contexts, similar words to Sister (meaning a nun) include 'nun', 'abbess', or 'prioress'. A nun is a member of a religious community of women, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. While 'Sister' is the title used to address them, 'nun' is the general noun describing their vocation. An abbess is the female superior of a community of nuns.

The nun devoted her life to helping the poor.

In organizational contexts, such as sororities or unions, similar concepts include 'fraternity' (the male equivalent of a sorority), 'fellowship', or 'guild'. Members of a sorority are sorority sisters, while members of a fraternity are fraternity brothers. These terms all describe groups formed around shared interests, professions, or social bonds, functioning as an extended, chosen family.

He joined a fraternity when he went to college.

Fraternity
A social organization for male university students.
Understanding these similar and related words allows for much greater precision and nuance when speaking English. Instead of just knowing 'sister', you can accurately describe extended family members, religious figures, close friends, and social organizations, greatly enriching your vocabulary and conversational abilities.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

""

غير رسمي

""

عامية

""

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

This is my sister.

Introduce a female sibling.

Use 'my' to show possession.

2

I have one sister.

State the number of female siblings.

Use 'have' for possession.

3

My sister is ten years old.

State the age of a female sibling.

Use 'is' for age in English, not 'has'.

4

Her sister is very tall.

Describe a female sibling's appearance.

Adjective 'tall' comes after the 'be' verb.

5

Do you have a sister?

Ask if someone has a female sibling.

Use 'Do' to form a present simple question.

6

My sister likes apples.

State a preference of a female sibling.

Add 's' to the verb for third-person singular.

7

She is a good sister.

Describe the quality of the sibling.

Adjective 'good' comes before the noun.

8

Where is your sister?

Ask for the location of a female sibling.

Use 'Where' for location questions.

1

My older sister goes to university.

Talk about an older female sibling's education.

'Older' is a comparative adjective used as a modifier.

2

I share a bedroom with my little sister.

Talk about living arrangements with a younger sibling.

'Share with' is a common collocation.

3

My sister and I play tennis on weekends.

Describe a shared activity.

'My sister and I' is the compound subject.

4

She looks exactly like her sister.

Compare physical appearance.

'Looks like' is used for physical resemblance.

5

I bought a gift for my sister's birthday.

Talk about buying something for a sibling.

Use apostrophe 's' for singular possession.

6

My step-sister lives in another city.

Mention a sibling related by marriage.

'Step-sister' is a compound noun.

7

Is your sister older or younger than you?

Ask about relative age.

Use comparative adjectives 'older' and 'younger'.

8

My sister works as a teacher.

State a sibling's profession.

Use 'works as a' to state a profession.

1

My sister is my best friend; we tell each other everything.

Describe a close emotional bond.

Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses.

2

She is like a sister to me, even though we aren't related.

Use the word figuratively for a close friend.

'Like a sister' is a simile.

3

My sister-in-law is coming to visit us next week.

Talk about a spouse's female sibling.

'Sister-in-law' is a hyphenated compound noun.

4

We used to fight a lot when we were kids, but now my sister and I get along great.

Describe how a relationship has changed over time.

'Used to' indicates a past habit.

5

Sister Mary has dedicated her life to helping the poor in the community.

Refer to a nun using her title.

Capitalize 'Sister' when used as a religious title.

6

I need to ask my sister for advice before I make a decision.

Talk about seeking guidance from a sibling.

'Ask for advice' is an uncountable noun phrase.

7

The two companies are sister organizations, owned by the same parent group.

Use the word to describe related businesses.

'Sister' acts as an attributive noun here.

8

She felt a strong sense of sisterhood with the other women in the group.

Use the abstract noun form.

The suffix '-hood' creates an abstract noun.

1

Despite their frequent disagreements, there is an underlying loyalty between the two sisters.

Describe complex family dynamics.

'Despite' is used to show contrast.

2

The plural of sister-in-law is sisters-in-law, which often confuses English learners.

Explain a grammatical rule.

The plural 's' attaches to the head noun.

3

The feminist movement heavily promoted the concept of universal sisterhood.

Discuss sociological or political concepts.

'Universal sisterhood' is a common collocation in sociology.

4

Our city recently established a sister city relationship with a town in Japan.

Talk about international municipal partnerships.

'Sister city' is a fixed compound phrase.

5

She joined a sorority in college to build a network of sisters.

Refer to members of a female social organization.

'Sorority' provides the context for this specific use of 'sisters'.

6

The ward sister efficiently managed the busy hospital floor during the crisis.

Use the British medical term for a senior nurse.

'Ward sister' is a specific occupational title.

7

They are not biological siblings, but they share a sisterly bond that is unbreakable.

Use the adjective form to describe a relationship.

'Sisterly' is an adjective ending in '-ly'.

8

As the eldest sister, she often felt burdened by the responsibility of caring for the younger ones.

Discuss birth order and family roles.

'Eldest' is the superlative form of 'old' used for family members.

1

The novel explores the intricate and often fraught relationship between three sisters living in post-war London.

Analyze literary themes.

'Fraught' is an advanced adjective modifying 'relationship'.

2

In a display of profound solidarity, the union members addressed each other as brothers and sisters.

Describe rhetoric used in labor movements.

Used here to denote ideological kinship rather than biological.

3

The subsidiary operates independently, yet it relies heavily on the infrastructure of its sister company.

Discuss corporate structures.

'Sister company' is standard business terminology.

4

Her latest essay deconstructs the myth of the 'evil step-sister' prevalent in classical fairy tales.

Discuss literary tropes and folklore.

Quotes are used to highlight a specific cultural trope.

5

The prioress acted as a mother figure to the younger sisters in the convent.

Describe roles within a religious order.

'Sisters' here refers to nuns in training or lower rank.

6

He dismissed the journalist as a mere 'sob sister', criticizing her overly sentimental reporting style.

Use a dated, idiomatic expression.

'Sob sister' is an idiom; context is needed to understand it.

7

The genetic anomaly was present in the proband but absent in her phenotypically normal sister.

Use the word in a scientific/medical context.

'Phenotypically normal' is advanced scientific jargon.

8

The concept of intersectionality challenges the notion of a monolithic global sisterhood.

Engage in advanced sociological debate.

'Monolithic' is an advanced adjective meaning uniform or indivisible.

1

The etymological roots of 'sister' trace back to Old English 'sweostor', reflecting its deep Indo-European heritage.

Discuss the linguistic history of the word.

'Trace back to' is a phrasal verb used for origins.

2

The treaty was signed by the two sister republics, cementing a fragile alliance in a volatile region.

Use the word to describe politically aligned nations.

'Sister republics' is a specific historical/political term.

3

In matriarchal societies, the mother's brother often holds more authority over the children than the father, while the mother's sister acts as a co-parent.

Discuss anthropological kinship structures.

Complex sentence structure comparing kinship roles.

4

The author employs the sister motif to symbolize the duality of human nature—the pragmatic versus the idealistic.

Analyze symbolism in high literature.

'Motif' refers to a recurring thematic element.

5

The appellate court upheld the ruling, citing a precedent established by a sister circuit.

Use legal jargon regarding court jurisdictions.

'Sister circuit' refers to a parallel court of appeals.

6

The vernacular architecture of the region features 'sister houses'—identical structures built side-by-side for siblings.

Discuss specific architectural or historical terms.

Quotes indicate a specific, localized term.

7

Her critique dismantled the essentialist view of sisterhood, arguing for a constructivist approach to feminist solidarity.

Engage in highly abstract academic theory.

Uses advanced theoretical vocabulary ('essentialist', 'constructivist').

8

The two vessels, sister ships built in the same shipyard, met entirely different fates during the war.

Discuss maritime history.

'Sister ships' is a standard maritime term for vessels of the same class.

المرادفات

sibling sis kin female sibling blood relative

الأضداد

brother

تلازمات شائعة

older sister
younger sister
little sister
twin sister
half-sister
step-sister
sister company
sister city
sorority sister
ward sister

العبارات الشائعة

like a sister to me

brothers and sisters

sisters-in-law

sister act

we are sisters

يُخلط عادةً مع

sister vs brother

sister vs sibling

sister vs daughter

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

سهل الخلط

sister vs

sister vs

sister vs

sister vs

sister vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

general

A fundamental vocabulary word. Essential for basic communication.

nuances

Can be used affectionately for non-relatives.

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality.

regional differences

'Elder sister' is more common in the UK; 'older sister' is more common in the US.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Saying 'sister-in-laws' instead of 'sisters-in-law'.
  • Capitalizing 'sister' in the middle of a sentence when talking about family.
  • Using 'sister' when you mean 'sibling' (both brothers and sisters).
  • Stressing the second syllable (sis-TER).
  • Confusing the singular possessive (sister's) with the plural possessive (sisters').

نصائح

Possessive Apostrophe

Remember to put the apostrophe before the 's' for one sister (sister's). Put it after the 's' for multiple sisters (sisters'). This changes the meaning of your sentence. Be careful when writing.

Use Sibling

If you don't know if someone has a brother or a sister, ask 'Do you have siblings?'. This is better than asking 'Do you have sisters?'. It covers both males and females. It makes your English sound more natural.

Compound Plurals

Always write 'sisters-in-law'. Never write 'sister-in-laws'. The 's' goes on the person, not the law. This is a very common mistake on English tests.

Syllable Stress

Say SIS-ter loudly on the first part. Do not say sis-TER. Putting the stress on the wrong syllable makes you sound unnatural. Practice saying it with a strong start.

Religious Title

If you meet a Catholic nun, address her as 'Sister'. Capitalize it when you write it. It is a sign of respect. It is like calling a man 'Mister' or 'Father'.

Figurative Use

Don't be afraid to call your best female friend your 'sister'. Native speakers do this all the time. It shows a very strong bond. It is a beautiful way to use the word.

Age Adjectives

Use 'older' and 'younger' to describe your sister's age compared to you. 'Big' and 'little' are also okay, but more informal. 'Elder' is formal and mostly used in the UK.

Sister Companies

If you work in business, learn the term 'sister company'. It means two companies with the same owner. It is useful for reading financial news. It shows advanced vocabulary knowledge.

Sisterhood

Learn the noun 'sisterhood'. It means the feeling of being sisters, or a group of women. It is used a lot in politics and social movements. It is a powerful abstract noun.

Casual Greeting

You might hear people say 'Hey sister!' as a greeting. This is casual slang. You can use it with close friends. Do not use it in formal situations or at work.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'SIS' as 'She Is Special' to remember that a SIS-ter is a special female family member.

أصل الكلمة

Old English

السياق الثقافي

In the UK, 'Ward Sister' was traditionally used for a senior nurse.

In the US, 'sorority sisters' is a very common concept in university life.

'Sister' is often used as a slang term of endearment among women globally.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Are you close with your sister?"

"What is the best part about having a sister?"

"Did you ever fight with your sister when you were younger?"

"Who is older, you or your sister?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe your relationship with your sister (or a close female friend).

Write about a time your sister helped you.

What are the advantages of having a sister?

How does the concept of 'sisterhood' apply to your life?

Write a fictional story about two sisters with magical powers.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

A sister is specifically a female. A sibling can be either male or female. If you have a brother, he is your sibling, but not your sister. 'Sibling' is a gender-neutral term. You use 'sister' when you want to specify the gender.

The correct plural is 'sisters-in-law'. You add the 's' to the main noun, which is 'sister'. Do not add the 's' to the end of the word (sister-in-laws is incorrect). This rule applies to all similar compound family words.

Usually, no. You write 'my sister' with a lowercase 's'. You only capitalize it if it is the first word of a sentence. You also capitalize it if it is used as a title for a nun, like 'Sister Mary'.

A sister company is a business that is owned by the same parent company as another business. They are related through ownership. They operate independently but share a corporate connection. It is a common business term.

Yes, you can. This is a figurative use of the word. It means you feel very close to her, like she is your family. It is a strong compliment showing deep friendship and trust.

A half-sister is a female sibling who shares only one biological parent with you. For example, you might have the same mother but different fathers. She is still considered your sister in everyday conversation.

A step-sister is the daughter of your step-parent. You do not share any biological parents. You are related because your parents married each other. Like half-sisters, they are often just called 'sisters'.

Nuns are called Sister to show that they belong to a spiritual family. It is a title of respect. It shows their dedication to their religious community and to God. It is always capitalized when used this way.

In universities, especially in the US, a sorority is a social organization for women. The members call each other sorority sisters. It signifies a lifelong bond of friendship and networking. It is a very common college term.

The stress is on the first syllable: SIS-ter. The 'i' is short, like in 'sit'. The 'er' at the end is pronounced clearly in American English, but softly in British English. It is an easy word to say.

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