When it comes to family relationships, Spanish-speaking cultures have their own unique terms and expressions. Knowing how to address family members in Spanish is essential for anyone who wants to communicate in the language. One of the most common questions people ask is, "What does sister mean in Spanish?"
To answer this question, it's necessary to understand the various terms used to describe different types of sisters in Spanish-speaking cultures. Depending on the country, the terms used may vary from one language to another. In general, "hermana" (the feminine form of hermano, or brother) is the most common word for sister in Spanish. This term is used to describe both biological and adoptive sisters.
In some countries, the term "sor" is also used to refer to a sister. This term is more commonly heard in Latin American countries and is often used to describe a close friend or family member that is like a sister. In other areas, the term "cuñada" is used to describe a sister-in-law, while the term "prima" is used to refer to a cousin who is also a sister.
Differences Between Sister and Brother in Spanish
In Spanish, there are some subtle differences between the words for brother and sister. While the word for brother is "hermano," the feminine form for the word is "hermana." In spoken Spanish, the terms are often used with an affectionate connotation, and the word "hermano" may be used by itself to refer to both brothers and sisters. In written Spanish, however, the distinction between the words is important.
The words for brother and sister also have different endings depending on the gender of the speaker. For example, a male speaker would refer to his sister as "mi hermana," while a female speaker would say "mi hermana." Similarly, a male speaker would refer to his brother as "mi hermano," while a female speaker would say "mi hermano."
Uses of Sister in Spanish
The word for sister in Spanish can be used in a variety of different contexts. It can be used to refer to an actual biological or adopted sister, a close friend or family member that is like a sister, or a cousin who is also a sister. It can also be used to refer to a sister-in-law or a female relative that is not a direct sister. The word may also be used to describe someone who is like a sister in a figurative sense.
Sister in Spanish Slang
In addition to the standard Spanish word for sister, there are a variety of slang words and phrases that are used to describe sisters in different Spanish-speaking countries. In Mexico, the term "carnal" is often used to describe a brother or sister, while in other countries such as Colombia and Peru, the term "hermanita" is used to refer to a younger sister.
In Spain, the term "colega" is used to describe a sister, while in some countries such as Argentina, the term "hermanita de leche" is used to describe a sister who is younger than the speaker. In Cuba, the term "guayabo" is used to describe someone who is like a brother or sister.
Common Phrases With Sister in Spanish
The word for sister in Spanish can be used in a variety of different phrases and expressions. One common phrase is "mi hermana y yo," which means "my sister and I." This phrase can be used to describe an actual sister or someone who is like a sister. Another common phrase is "mi hermana mayor," which means "my older sister." This phrase is used to refer to an actual biological or adopted sister who is older than the speaker.
The phrase "mi hermana pequeña" is also commonly used and means "my younger sister." This phrase is used to refer to an actual biological or adopted sister who is younger than the speaker. The phrase "las hermanas" is also commonly used and means "the sisters." This phrase can be used to refer to several actual or figurative sisters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word for sister in Spanish?
The most common word for sister in Spanish is "hermana," which is the feminine form of the word "hermano," which means brother.
What is the difference between hermana and hermano?
The words for brother and sister in Spanish have different endings depending on the gender of the speaker. For example, a male speaker would refer to his sister as "mi hermana," while a female speaker would say "mi hermana." Similarly, a male speaker would refer to his brother as "mi hermano," while a female speaker would say "mi hermano."
What is the phrase for “my older sister” in Spanish?
The phrase for “my older sister” in Spanish is “mi hermana mayor.” This phrase is used to refer to an actual biological or adopted sister who is older than the speaker.
What is the phrase for “the sisters” in Spanish?
The phrase for “the sisters” in Spanish is “las hermanas.” This phrase can be used to refer to several actual or figurative sisters.
What are some slang words for sister in Spanish?
In addition to the standard Spanish word for sister, there are a variety of slang words and phrases that are used to describe sisters in different Spanish-speaking countries. In Mexico, the term "carnal" is often used to describe a brother or sister, while in other countries such as Colombia and Peru, the term "hermanita" is used to refer to a younger sister.
What does sor mean in Spanish?
The term "sor" is used to refer to a sister in some countries. This term is more commonly heard in Latin American countries and is often used to describe a close friend or family member that is like a sister.
What does cuñada mean in Spanish?
The term "cuñada" is used to describe a sister-in-law in some Spanish-speaking countries.
What does prima mean in Spanish?
The term "prima" is used to refer to a cousin who is also a sister in some Spanish-speaking countries.
What is the phrase for “my younger sister” in Spanish?
The phrase for “my younger sister” in Spanish is “mi hermana pequeña.” This phrase is used to refer to an actual biological or adopted sister who is younger than the speaker.
What is the phrase for “my sister and I” in Spanish?
The phrase for “my sister and I” in Spanish is “mi hermana y yo.” This phrase can be used to describe an actual sister or someone who is like a sister.