At the A1 level, the word 'cuñada' is introduced as part of the basic family vocabulary. Students learn to identify family members in a simple tree. At this stage, the focus is on the direct translation: 'sister-in-law'. You will use it in simple sentences like 'Mi cuñada se llama Rosa' or 'Tengo una cuñada'. The goal is to recognize the word and understand that it refers to a female relative through marriage. You don't need to worry about complex nuances or regional slang yet. Just remember that it is a feminine noun and requires 'la' or 'mi'. It's one of the first 500 words you should learn because family is such a common topic in beginner Spanish conversations. You might practice it by describing a photo of your family or introducing people in a role-play exercise. It's important to get the pronunciation of the 'ñ' right from the very beginning, as it's a signature sound of the Spanish language.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'cuñada' in more descriptive contexts. You might talk about her profession, where she lives, or her personality. For example, 'Mi cuñada vive en Madrid and es muy trabajadora'. You are also introduced to the possessive adjectives in more detail, ensuring you use 'nuestra cuñada' or 'su cuñada' correctly. At this level, you should also be aware of the plural form 'cuñadas' and how it changes when a male 'cuñado' is included. You will use the word in past tense sentences, such as 'Ayer hablé con mi cuñada'. The word becomes a tool for building more complex narratives about your life and social circle. You might also encounter the word in simple reading passages about family traditions or holiday celebrations, where the 'cuñada' is often mentioned as part of the group.
At the B1 level, you start to understand the social and cultural role of the 'cuñada' in Spanish-speaking societies. You might discuss family dynamics or use the word in the context of giving advice or expressing opinions. For example, 'Creo que mi cuñada debería cambiar de trabajo'. You will also encounter the diminutive 'cuñadita', which is used to express affection. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'cuñada' in all tenses, including the subjunctive: 'Espero que mi cuñada venga a la fiesta'. You might also learn about the broader term 'familia política' and how 'cuñada' fits into that category. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related concepts like 'concuñada', although you might still use 'cuñada' for simplicity. You can now engage in longer conversations about family relationships and the specific bonds you have with your in-laws.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand more nuanced uses of 'cuñada'. You might encounter the term in literature or more complex news articles. You should be aware of the term 'cuñadismo' in Spain, which refers to a specific social behavior (acting like a know-it-all). This allows you to participate in cultural discussions and understand social critiques. You can use 'cuñada' in hypothetical situations or complex conditional sentences: 'Si mi cuñada me hubiera dicho la verdad, no estaríamos en este problema'. Your understanding of the word moves beyond the literal family tree into the realm of social commentary and idiomatic usage. You also understand the legal implications of the term in contexts like inheritance or family law, and you can distinguish between formal and informal registers when referring to your relatives by marriage.
At the C1 level, you have a deep, near-native understanding of 'cuñada'. You can pick up on subtle tones—whether a speaker is using the word with genuine affection, cold formality, or ironic distance. You are familiar with regional variations and slang, such as 'cuñis' in some Latin American countries. You can discuss the sociological impact of the 'cuñada' role in traditional vs. modern families. You might analyze how the character of the 'cuñada' is portrayed in Spanish cinema or literature, reflecting changing social norms. Your use of the word is seamless, and you can navigate complex family explanations without hesitation. You also understand the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved from its Latin roots to its current multifaceted meanings in various Spanish-speaking regions.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'cuñada' is complete. You can use the word and its derivatives (like 'cuñadismo') with the precision and flair of a native speaker. You can engage in academic or high-level intellectual discussions about kinship systems in the Hispanic world, using 'cuñada' as a case study for how language reflects social structure. You understand the most obscure regionalisms and historical uses of the word. You can write sophisticated essays or give presentations where you use the concept of the 'cuñada' to illustrate broader points about culture, family, and society. You are also sensitive to the finest shades of meaning in different contexts, from the most intimate family settings to the most public political discourses. The word is no longer just a label for a relative; it is a rich cultural symbol that you can manipulate with ease.

cuñada 30초 만에

  • Cuñada means sister-in-law.
  • It refers to a spouse's sister or a sibling's wife.
  • It is a feminine noun (la cuñada).
  • The plural 'cuñadas' is for women only.
The Spanish word cuñada is a foundational kinship term that translates directly to "sister-in-law" in English. In the intricate web of Hispanic family life, where social bonds are often the primary source of support and identity, understanding how to refer to your extended family is crucial. The term cuñada applies in two specific scenarios: first, it refers to the sister of your spouse (husband or wife); second, it refers to the wife of your brother or sister. Unlike English, which sometimes uses the hyphenated suffix to denote distance, Spanish treats the cuñada as an integral part of the immediate family circle. This word is not merely a legal designation; it carries with it a weight of social expectation and warmth. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the relationship with a cuñada can be as close as that with a biological sister. People use this word daily in household conversations, when introducing family members at social gatherings, and when discussing family logistics. It is a word that bridges the gap between the family you are born into and the family you choose through marriage.
Etimología
The word comes from the Latin 'cognata', which originally meant 'related by birth'. Over centuries, its meaning shifted in the Romance languages to specifically denote those related by marriage.

Mi cuñada me ayudó a organizar la fiesta de cumpleaños de mi hermano.

Beyond the literal meaning, the word has evolved in modern Spanish, particularly in Spain, to give birth to the term 'cuñadismo'. This refers to the tendency of someone to act as if they are an expert on every subject, often in a patronizing way, much like the stereotype of a brother-in-law at a family dinner. However, when using the word cuñada itself, it remains a neutral and affectionate term. It is common to hear it used with diminutives like 'cuñadita' to show extra affection or closeness. For example, 'Hola, cuñadita, ¿cómo estás?' is a very common greeting among close family members. In many Latin American countries, the bond between cuñadas is essential for the management of the 'familia extendida', where they might share responsibilities for child-rearing, cooking, and event planning. Understanding this word is about more than just vocabulary; it is about understanding the social fabric of the Spanish-speaking world.
Usage Frequency
High. Family is a central topic in Spanish conversation, making this word essential for even basic fluency.

Presenté a mi cuñada a mis amigos durante la cena de Navidad.

Using cuñada correctly requires an understanding of Spanish grammar, particularly gender agreement and possessive adjectives. Since cuñada is a feminine noun, any adjective modifying it must also be feminine. For instance, you would say 'mi cuñada favorita' (my favorite sister-in-law) or 'mi cuñada es simpática' (my sister-in-law is nice). Possessive adjectives are the most common companions to this word. In Spanish, we use 'mi' (my), 'tu' (your), 'su' (his/her/their), 'nuestra' (our), and 'vuestra' (your - plural, Spain). Because family relations are personal, you will almost always see cuñada preceded by one of these possessives. However, in Spanish, when the relationship is already established in a conversation, people sometimes drop the possessive in favor of the definite article 'la' if the context is very clear, though this is less common than with 'la madre' or 'el padre'.
Syntactic Role
It functions as a subject, direct object, or object of a preposition. Example: 'Le di un regalo a mi cuñada' (I gave a gift to my sister-in-law).

La cuñada de María es una arquitecta muy famosa en Madrid.

In complex family trees, you might need to be more specific. If you have multiple sisters-in-law, you might say 'la mujer de mi hermano' (my brother's wife) or 'la hermana de mi marido' (my husband's sister) to clarify which cuñada you are talking about. In writing, cuñada is used in formal wedding invitations, legal documents regarding inheritance, and social media posts. In speech, it's frequently shortened or modified by context. For example, during a family dinner, one might simply call out '¡Cuñada!' to get her attention, treated almost like a proper name. This highlights the vocational nature of family titles in Spanish culture.
Pluralization
The plural is 'cuñadas'. Note that 'mis cuñadas' refers only to women. If you mean 'my sister-in-law and brother-in-law', you must use the masculine plural 'mis cuñados'.

Mis dos cuñadas son gemelas y siempre nos confundimos.

The word cuñada is omnipresent in the Spanish-speaking world, vibrating through the halls of family homes, bustling markets, and festive celebrations. You will hear it most frequently during Sunday lunches (el almuerzo dominical), which are a staple of Hispanic life. In these settings, family members of all generations gather, and the cuñada is often a central figure in the conversation. You'll hear it in the kitchen, where 'cuñadas' might be collaborating on a traditional recipe: 'Oye, cuñada, ¿le pusiste sal a la paella?'. It is also a staple word in the world of 'telenovelas' (soap operas). In these dramatic narratives, the cuñada is frequently cast as either the protagonist's best friend and confidante or the jealous antagonist plotting against the marriage. This cultural trope reinforces the word's importance in social dynamics.
Social Media
On Instagram or Facebook, you'll see captions like 'Con la mejor cuñada del mundo' (With the best sister-in-law in the world) accompanied by heart emojis, showcasing the public celebration of this bond.

En la boda, mi cuñada dio un discurso que hizo llorar a todos.

In Spain specifically, the word has taken on a political and social dimension through the concept of 'cuñadismo'. You might hear it on talk shows or read it in opinion pieces. A 'cuñado' or 'cuñada' in this derogatory sense is someone who speaks with unearned authority on topics like politics, economics, or science. This usage is common among younger generations to mock traditional or unsolicited advice. However, in a literal family context, the word remains purely relational. You will also hear it in legal contexts, such as during the reading of a will or in discussions about 'derecho de familia' (family law). Despite these varied contexts, the core of the word remains the same: a vital link in the chain of human relationships.
Regional Variation
While the word is universal, the level of formality varies. In some Caribbean countries, 'cuñis' is a popular, very informal slang version used among friends or close family.

¿Viene tu cuñada a la cena de Nochebuena este año?

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using cuñada is confusing it with other female family members, particularly 'nuera' (daughter-in-law) or 'suegra' (mother-in-law). Because English uses the 'in-law' suffix for all of these, learners often try to apply a similar logic in Spanish, which doesn't work. Each role has its own distinct, non-compound word. Another common error is gender agreement. Since the word ends in 'a', it is feminine, but learners sometimes use masculine adjectives if they are thinking about their brother's wife (because the brother is male). Remember: the gender of the word depends on the person being described, not the person they are married to. So, it is always 'la cuñada' and 'una cuñada'.
False Friend Alert
Do not confuse 'cuñada' with 'concuñada'. While 'cuñada' is your spouse's sister or your sibling's wife, 'concuñada' specifically refers to the wife of your spouse's brother. However, in casual speech, most people just use 'cuñada' for both to simplify things.

Incorrect: Mi cuñada es muy *simpático*. Correct: Mi cuñada es muy simpática.

Spelling is another area where mistakes occur. The 'ñ' is a distinct letter in the Spanish alphabet, not just an 'n' with a squiggle. It has its own place in the dictionary. Forgetting the tilde over the 'n' is a significant orthographic error. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'cuñada' with 'cuña' (wedge). While they share a root, they are used in completely different contexts. Finally, be careful with the plural. As mentioned before, 'mis cuñadas' only refers to women. If you are talking about your brother-in-law and sister-in-law as a pair, you must use the masculine plural 'mis cuñados'. This is a general rule in Spanish (the masculine plural covers mixed groups), but it often feels counter-intuitive to English speakers who are used to gender-neutral terms like 'siblings-in-law'.
Common Confusion
Learners often forget that 'cuñada' can mean two different things: your brother's wife OR your husband's sister. Context is the only way to distinguish them.

Incorrect: Ella es mi *hermana-en-ley*. Correct: Ella es mi cuñada.

While cuñada is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives that can provide more precision or a different tone. The most precise technical alternative is concuñada. This word refers specifically to the relationship between two women who are married to two brothers, or the relationship between a woman and the sister of her husband's spouse. While 'cuñada' is often used as a catch-all, 'concuñada' is the 'correct' term for these specific, one-step-removed relations. Another related term is familia política, which is the general Spanish term for 'in-laws'. If you want to talk about your in-laws as a whole group, you would say 'mi familia política'.
Comparison: Cuñada vs. Concuñada
'Cuñada' is direct (sibling's wife or spouse's sister). 'Concuñada' is indirect (spouse's sibling's wife). In modern daily life, 'cuñada' usually replaces both.

Mi concuñada y yo nos llevamos muy bien porque tenemos hijos de la misma edad.

Other words often heard in the same context include 'pariente' (relative) and 'allegado' (someone close to the family but not necessarily a blood relative). In some close-knit communities, the term 'comadre' might be used. While 'comadre' technically refers to the relationship between a child's mother and the child's godmother, it is frequently used as a term of endearment for a woman who is as close as a sister or cuñada. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate the complex social landscape of Spanish-speaking countries. For example, calling your cuñada 'hermana' (sister) is a high compliment, signaling that she has been fully integrated into your heart, not just the family tree.
Synonym comparison
'Pariente política' is the formal way to say 'female relative by marriage'. It's much less common than 'cuñada'.

Ella no es mi hermana de sangre, es mi cuñada, pero la quiero como si lo fuera.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

While the Latin root meant 'blood relative', in all Romance languages (Spanish, French 'beau-frère/belle-soeur', Italian 'cognato/a'), it shifted to mean relatives by marriage. This shows how marriage was historically seen as creating a bond as strong as blood.

발음 가이드

UK /kʊnˈjɑːdə/
US /kunˈjɑdə/
The stress falls on the second syllable: cu-ÑA-da.
라임이 맞는 단어
almohada nada cada llamada mirada parada entrada salada
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'ñ' as 'n' (cunada).
  • Stressing the first syllable (CU-ña-da).
  • Stressing the last syllable (cu-ña-DA).
  • Mixing up the 'u' sound with an 'o' sound.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 'd' clearly (cu-ña-a).

난이도

독해 2/5

The word is short and common, easy to recognize in text.

쓰기 3/5

The 'ñ' can be tricky for those without a Spanish keyboard, and gender agreement is essential.

말하기 3/5

The 'ñ' sound requires practice for native English speakers.

듣기 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

hermana hermano esposo esposa familia

다음에 배울 것

suegra nuera yerno sobrino primo

고급

concuñada cuñadismo parentesco afinidad

수준별 예문

1

Mi cuñada es de México.

My sister-in-law is from Mexico.

'Mi' is a possessive adjective agreeing with 'cuñada'.

2

Tengo una cuñada simpática.

I have a nice sister-in-law.

'Simpática' must be feminine to match 'cuñada'.

3

¿Cómo se llama tu cuñada?

What is your sister-in-law's name?

'Tu' is the informal 'your'.

4

Mi cuñada tiene un perro.

My sister-in-law has a dog.

Uses the verb 'tener' for possession.

5

Ella es la cuñada de Juan.

She is Juan's sister-in-law.

Use 'de' to show possession in Spanish.

6

Mi cuñada vive en una casa grande.

My sister-in-law lives in a big house.

'Grande' is an adjective that follows the noun.

7

Hoy es el cumpleaños de mi cuñada.

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday.

'De mi cuñada' functions as a possessive phrase.

8

Mi cuñada habla español muy bien.

My sister-in-law speaks Spanish very well.

'Bien' is an adverb modifying the verb 'habla'.

1

Mi cuñada trabaja en un hospital como enfermera.

My sister-in-law works in a hospital as a nurse.

'Como' is used here to indicate profession.

2

Ayer fuimos a cenar con mi cuñada y su esposo.

Yesterday we went to dinner with my sister-in-law and her husband.

'Fuimos' is the preterite of 'ir' (we went).

3

Mi cuñada me regaló un libro por mi santo.

My sister-in-law gave me a book for my saint's day.

'Me regaló' uses an indirect object pronoun.

4

¿Conoces a la cuñada de María? Es muy inteligente.

Do you know Maria's sister-in-law? She is very intelligent.

The 'personal a' is used before 'la cuñada' because it is a specific person.

5

Nuestra cuñada va a visitarnos el próximo fin de semana.

Our sister-in-law is going to visit us next weekend.

'Nuestra' is the feminine plural possessive adjective.

6

Mi cuñada prefiere el café con leche y sin azúcar.

My sister-in-law prefers coffee with milk and without sugar.

'Prefiere' is the third person singular of 'preferir'.

7

Las cuñadas de Pedro son muy divertidas.

Pedro's sisters-in-law are very funny.

Plural agreement: 'Las cuñadas' and 'divertidas'.

8

Mi cuñada compró una casa nueva el mes pasado.

My sister-in-law bought a new house last month.

'Compró' is the preterite tense.

1

Si mi cuñada tiene tiempo, nos ayudará con la mudanza.

If my sister-in-law has time, she will help us with the move.

A real conditional sentence using the present indicative.

2

Me alegra mucho que mi cuñada se lleve tan bien con mi madre.

I am very happy that my sister-in-law gets along so well with my mother.

Requires the subjunctive 'se lleve' after an expression of emotion.

3

Mi cuñada, que es abogada, me explicó los términos del contrato.

My sister-in-law, who is a lawyer, explained the terms of the contract to me.

Uses a relative clause starting with 'que'.

4

Siempre que viene mi cuñada, cocinamos algo especial.

Whenever my sister-in-law comes, we cook something special.

'Siempre que' indicates a habitual action.

5

A mi cuñada le encanta viajar por todo el mundo.

My sister-in-law loves to travel all over the world.

Uses the 'gustar' style verb 'encantar'.

6

Espero que mi cuñada pueda venir a la graduación de mi hijo.

I hope my sister-in-law can come to my son's graduation.

'Espero que' triggers the subjunctive 'pueda'.

7

Mi cuñada me pidió que le cuidara a los niños esta tarde.

My sister-in-law asked me to look after the children for her this afternoon.

'Pidió que' triggers the imperfect subjunctive 'cuidara'.

8

Aunque mi cuñada es joven, tiene mucha experiencia profesional.

Even though my sister-in-law is young, she has a lot of professional experience.

'Aunque' used with the indicative for a known fact.

1

Mi cuñada se ha convertido en un pilar fundamental para nuestra familia.

My sister-in-law has become a fundamental pillar for our family.

'Se ha convertido en' means 'has become'.

2

No creo que mi cuñada acepte esa oferta de trabajo en el extranjero.

I don't think my sister-in-law will accept that job offer abroad.

'No creo que' triggers the subjunctive 'acepte'.

3

A pesar de ser mi cuñada, a veces me cuesta entender su punto de vista.

Despite being my sister-in-law, sometimes I find it hard to understand her point of view.

'A pesar de' is followed by the infinitive 'ser'.

4

Mi cuñada suele ser la que organiza todas las reuniones familiares.

My sister-in-law is usually the one who organizes all the family gatherings.

'Suele ser' indicates a habitual state.

5

Si mi cuñada no hubiera intervenido, la discusión habría empeorado.

If my sister-in-law hadn't intervened, the argument would have gotten worse.

Third conditional: 'no hubiera' + 'habría'.

6

Me sorprende que tu cuñada no te haya dicho nada sobre el viaje.

It surprises me that your sister-in-law hasn't told you anything about the trip.

'Me sorprende que' triggers the present perfect subjunctive.

7

Mi cuñada es una de esas personas que siempre ven el lado positivo.

My sister-in-law is one of those people who always see the positive side.

Relative clause with 'que'.

8

Había una tensión evidente entre mi hermana y mi cuñada durante la cena.

There was an evident tension between my sister and my sister-in-law during dinner.

'Había' is the imperfect of 'haber'.

1

La relación con mi cuñada ha evolucionado hacia una amistad profunda y sincera.

The relationship with my sister-in-law has evolved into a deep and sincere friendship.

'Hacia' indicates direction or evolution.

2

Resulta curioso cómo mi cuñada ha adoptado las costumbres de nuestra región.

It is curious how my sister-in-law has adopted the customs of our region.

'Resulta curioso cómo' is a sophisticated way to introduce an observation.

3

Mi cuñada se desvive por sus sobrinos, siempre está pendiente de ellos.

My sister-in-law goes out of her way for her nephews/nieces; she is always looking out for them.

'Desvivirse por' is an idiomatic expression meaning to do anything for someone.

4

Dudo mucho que mi cuñada se preste a participar en ese tipo de chismes.

I highly doubt my sister-in-law would lend herself to participating in that kind of gossip.

'Prestarse a' means to agree to something, often negative.

5

Fue mi cuñada quien, en última instancia, tomó la decisión de vender la empresa.

It was my sister-in-law who, ultimately, made the decision to sell the company.

'En última instancia' is a formal connector meaning 'ultimately'.

6

A mi cuñada le molesta sobremanera que la gente sea impuntual.

It bothers my sister-in-law exceedingly when people are unpunctual.

'Sobremanera' is a formal adverb meaning 'exceedingly'.

7

Mi cuñada posee una capacidad innata para resolver conflictos familiares.

My sister-in-law possesses an innate ability to resolve family conflicts.

'Innata' is a high-level adjective.

8

Pese a las rencillas del pasado, mi cuñada y yo hemos hecho las paces.

Despite the past grudges, my sister-in-law and I have made peace.

'Pese a' is a formal synonym for 'a pesar de'.

1

El papel de la cuñada en la literatura decimonónica suele ser el de una figura mediadora.

The role of the sister-in-law in 19th-century literature is usually that of a mediating figure.

'Decimonónica' is a formal adjective for '19th-century'.

2

Se percibe un cierto cuñadismo en sus intervenciones, siempre queriendo sentar cátedra.

A certain 'know-it-all-ism' is perceived in her interventions, always wanting to speak with authority.

'Sentar cátedra' is an idiom for speaking as if one is an absolute authority.

3

La sintonía entre mi cuñada y mi hermano es, a todas luces, envidiable.

The harmony between my sister-in-law and my brother is, by all accounts, enviable.

'A todas luces' is an idiom meaning 'clearly' or 'by all accounts'.

4

Mi cuñada ha sabido granjearse el respeto de toda la comunidad local.

My sister-in-law has known how to earn the respect of the entire local community.

'Granjearse' is a sophisticated verb for 'to earn' (respect, fame, etc.).

5

No es óbice que sea mi cuñada para que yo critique su gestión profesional.

The fact that she is my sister-in-law is no obstacle to me criticizing her professional management.

'No es óbice' is a very formal way to say 'it is not an obstacle'.

6

Mi cuñada siempre ha hecho gala de una discreción absoluta en temas delicados.

My sister-in-law has always boasted absolute discretion in delicate matters.

'Hacer gala de' means to show off or display a quality.

7

La influencia de mi cuñada en las decisiones estéticas de la casa es palpable.

My sister-in-law's influence on the house's aesthetic decisions is palpable.

'Palpable' is used here to mean 'obvious' or 'evident'.

8

Cabe destacar la abnegación de mi cuñada durante los años de enfermedad de mi hermano.

It is worth noting my sister-in-law's self-sacrifice during the years of my brother's illness.

'Cabe destacar' is a formal opening for 'it is worth highlighting'.

자주 쓰는 조합

mi cuñada
tu cuñada
la cuñada de
querida cuñada
ex cuñada
cuñada política
futura cuñada
nueva cuñada
única cuñada
segunda cuñada

자주 쓰는 구문

De cuñadas y concuñadas...

— A phrase starting a discussion about family gossip.

De cuñadas y concuñadas siempre hay historias que contar.

Presentar a la cuñada

— To introduce the sister-in-law to someone.

Tengo que presentar a mi cuñada a mis padres.

Cosas de cuñadas

— Refers to typical interactions or issues between sisters-in-law.

No te preocupes, son solo cosas de cuñadas.

Hacerse cuñada de alguien

— To become someone's sister-in-law through marriage.

Me hice cuñada de Ana cuando me casé con su hermano.

Llevarse bien con la cuñada

— To have a good relationship with the sister-in-law.

Es importante llevarse bien con la cuñada para la armonía familiar.

La cuñada favorita

— The preferred sister-in-law among several.

Ella es, sin duda, mi cuñada favorita.

Visitar a la cuñada

— To go see the sister-in-law.

Vamos a visitar a mi cuñada este domingo.

El regalo de la cuñada

— A gift given by or for the sister-in-law.

¿Te gustó el regalo de tu cuñada?

La opinión de la cuñada

— What the sister-in-law thinks about something.

Siempre valoramos la opinión de mi cuñada.

La casa de mi cuñada

— The residence of the sister-in-law.

La fiesta será en la casa de mi cuñada.

관용어 및 표현

"Hablar como un cuñado"

— To speak as if one knows everything, often in a patronizing way.

No me hables como un cuñado, yo sé de lo que hablo.

slang (Spain)
"Ser un cuñado"

— To be a know-it-all or to have outdated, opinionated views.

Él es un cuñado, siempre tiene una opinión para todo.

informal (Spain)
"Cuñadismo"

— The practice of giving unsolicited and often ignorant advice.

El cuñadismo en las redes sociales es insoportable.

informal (Spain)
"Parecer cuñados"

— To act with a familiarity that isn't quite there or is annoying.

Esos dos parecen cuñados discutiendo de política.

informal
"Ni que fueras mi cuñada"

— Used when someone is being too nosy or bossy.

¡Deja de mandarme, ni que fueras mi cuñada!

informal
"Entre cuñados te veas"

— A humorous way to describe family drama.

¡Qué lío familiar! Entre cuñados te veas.

informal
"Cuñada de nombre"

— Someone who is a sister-in-law but with whom there is no relationship.

Ella es solo mi cuñada de nombre, nunca la veo.

neutral
"Hacerle el feo a la cuñada"

— To snub or ignore the sister-in-law.

No le hagas el feo a tu cuñada en la fiesta.

informal
"La cuñada metiche"

— The nosy sister-in-law.

Ya viene la cuñada metiche a preguntar por mi sueldo.

slang
"Como uña y carne con la cuñada"

— To be very close with the sister-in-law.

Mi esposa y su cuñada son como uña y carne.

informal

어휘 가족

명사

cuñado (brother-in-law)
cuñadismo (know-it-all behavior)
concuñada (spouse's brother's wife)

동사

encuñarse (to become an in-law, rare/colloquial)

형용사

cuñadil (relating to a brother/sister-in-law, rare/humorous)

관련

familia
suegra
nuera
hermano
esposo

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'CUNning' sister-in-law who 'ADDs' (ada) herself to your family tree. Cu-ñ-ada.

시각적 연상

Imagine a wedding where a woman is being handed a 'cuña' (wedge) to symbolize she is the 'wedge' that connects two families.

Word Web

familia matrimonio hermano esposa suegros sobrinos boda parentesco

챌린지

Try to name all your 'cuñadas' (if any) and describe one thing each of them likes to do, using the sentence pattern: 'A mi cuñada [Nombre] le gusta [Actividad]'.

어원

From the Latin 'cognata', the feminine form of 'cognatus'.

원래 의미: Related by blood or birth (co- + gnatus).

Romance (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

In some contexts, calling someone 'cuñada' if they aren't actually related can be seen as overly familiar or even disrespectful, depending on the region. Always use it literally unless you are very close with the person.

English speakers use 'sister-in-law' for both spouse's sister and sibling's wife, just like 'cuñada'. However, English lacks the common diminutive 'cuñadita' and the social concept of 'cuñadismo'.

The character of the sister-in-law in the play 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba' by Lorca. Common tropes in Mexican telenovelas where the 'cuñada' is the villain. The 'Cuñado' character in Spanish comedy sketches representing the know-it-all.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Family Dinner

  • Pásame la sal, cuñada.
  • ¿Qué tal el trabajo, cuñada?
  • Tu comida está deliciosa, cuñada.
  • ¿Vienen tus padres, cuñada?

Wedding

  • Mi cuñada está guapísima.
  • ¿Es ella tu cuñada?
  • Mi cuñada es la madrina.
  • ¡Felicidades, cuñada!

Introducing someone

  • Te presento a mi cuñada.
  • Ella es la cuñada de mi marido.
  • ¿Conocías a mi cuñada?
  • Esta es mi nueva cuñada.

Gossip/Socializing

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