hermano/a
Brother/sister
Hermano/a is the essential term for sibling, used universally across all Spanish-speaking cultures.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a sibling sharing the same parents.
- Changes gender from -o to -a.
- Plural form 'hermanos' includes mixed-gender groups.
Summary
Hermano/a is the essential term for sibling, used universally across all Spanish-speaking cultures.
- Refers to a sibling sharing the same parents.
- Changes gender from -o to -a.
- Plural form 'hermanos' includes mixed-gender groups.
Use adjectives for age distinction
Always use 'mayor' or 'menor' after the noun to clarify age. This is the natural way to distinguish birth order.
Avoid literal translations of half-siblings
While 'medio hermano' is understood, some regions prefer 'hermanastro' if they are related through marriage, though 'hermanastro' technically means step-brother.
Brotherhood in Hispanic culture
In many Latin American countries, calling someone 'hermano' is a sign of deep trust and friendship, not just family.
Examples
4 of 4Tengo un hermano y una hermana.
I have one brother and one sister.
Él es mi hermano mayor.
He is my older brother.
¡Hola, hermano! ¿Cómo estás?
Hey, bro! How are you?
Los hermanos Grimm escribieron cuentos famosos.
The Grimm brothers wrote famous tales.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'HERmano' as 'HEIR of the same parents'. The 'HER' sound can remind you of the feminine 'HERmana' as well.
Overview
La palabra 'hermano' es uno de los pilares del vocabulario familiar en español. Proviene del latín 'germanus', que significa 'de la misma sangre'. Es un sustantivo común que varía en género (hermano para masculino, hermana para femenino) y número (hermanos para el plural). 2) Usage Patterns: Se utiliza principalmente para referirse a la relación de parentesco. Sin embargo, también se emplea en contextos afectivos, religiosos o sociales para denotar camaradería. Por ejemplo, los miembros de una orden religiosa se llaman 'hermanos'. 3) Common Contexts: Es omnipresente en conversaciones sobre la familia, presentaciones personales y descripciones genealógicas. En plural, 'hermanos' se utiliza como término inclusivo para referirse a un grupo mixto de hermanos y hermanas. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'primo' (primo hermano o primo en segundo grado), 'hermano' implica una relación de primer grado. No debe confundirse con 'cuñado', que es el hermano del cónyuge, ni con 'hermanastro', que es el hijo de uno de los padres con otra pareja.
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and used in all registers. When referring to a group of siblings of mixed gender, always use the masculine plural 'hermanos'. It is a highly frequent word in daily communication.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget to change the gender of the noun. Another common error is using 'hermanos' when they only mean males, forgetting that it acts as the plural for both genders. Some also confuse 'hermanastro' with 'hermano'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'HERmano' as 'HEIR of the same parents'. The 'HER' sound can remind you of the feminine 'HERmana' as well.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'germanus', meaning 'full' or 'of the same parents'. It shares a root with the English word 'germane', implying something closely related.
Cultural Context
Family is central in Hispanic culture, so sibling terms are used frequently. In many regions, the use of 'hermano' as a term of endearment for non-family members is a sign of social closeness.
Examples
Tengo un hermano y una hermana.
everydayI have one brother and one sister.
Él es mi hermano mayor.
formalHe is my older brother.
¡Hola, hermano! ¿Cómo estás?
informalHey, bro! How are you?
Los hermanos Grimm escribieron cuentos famosos.
academicThe Grimm brothers wrote famous tales.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
hermanos de sangre
blood brothers
como hermanos
like brothers
hermano del alma
soul brother
Often Confused With
A step-brother, related by marriage rather than blood. Do not confuse with biological siblings.
A cousin. Often confused by beginners when referring to extended family members.
Grammar Patterns
Use adjectives for age distinction
Always use 'mayor' or 'menor' after the noun to clarify age. This is the natural way to distinguish birth order.
Avoid literal translations of half-siblings
While 'medio hermano' is understood, some regions prefer 'hermanastro' if they are related through marriage, though 'hermanastro' technically means step-brother.
Brotherhood in Hispanic culture
In many Latin American countries, calling someone 'hermano' is a sign of deep trust and friendship, not just family.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Ella es mi ___ mayor, se llama María.
Como el nombre es María, se requiere el femenino singular.
Elige la opción correcta.
¿Cómo se dice 'I have two brothers' si son hombres?
Hermanos es el plural masculino correcto para hermanos varones.
Ordena la frase.
hermano / mi / es / inteligente
La estructura sujeto-verbo-predicado es la estándar en español.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSe utiliza el masculino plural: 'Tengo dos hermanos'. En español, el masculino plural abarca a ambos géneros.
Sí, es muy común en contextos informales, especialmente en países como México o Colombia, usar 'hermano' para dirigirse a un amigo cercano.
Es una persona que comparte solo uno de los dos padres biológicos contigo. Se usa para especificar la relación genética.
Se añaden los adjetivos: 'hermano mayor' (older brother) o 'hermano menor' (younger brother). Es la forma estándar de especificar la edad relativa.
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More family words
abrazarse
B1To hug each other; to embrace mutually.
Abuela
A1Grandmother; a mother of one's parent.
Abuelo
A1Grandfather; a father of one's parent.
abuelo/a
A2The father or mother of one's father or mother.
acariciar
B1To touch or stroke gently or lovingly.
acoger
B1To welcome; to receive into one's home.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2A person aged between 13 and 19 years.
adopción
B1The legal process of taking another's child as one's own; adoption.
adoptado
B1Taken into one's family by legal means; adopted.
