Learning a language is the key to unlocking cultures and building relationships. If you’re learning Spanish and you want to discuss family, you’ll certainly need to learn how to say “sister” in Spanish. In this article, we’ll discuss everything from the simple translation to cultural values, and give you examples and advice on how to use “sister” in your conversations.
By the time you finish this guide, you will use “sister” comfortably in Spanish, enriching not only your vocabulary but also your overall grasp of the language.
The Basic Translation of Sister in Spanish
The direct translation of “sister” in Spanish is hermana (pronounced ehr-MAH-nah). It’s a straightforward term that refers to a female sibling. Whether you’re writing about your sibling relationships or describing family dynamics in Spanish, “hermana” will be your go-to word.
For instance:
- Ella es mi hermana. – She is my sister
Understanding Gender Agreement in Spanish
Spanish is a gendered language, and nouns and adjectives must match in number and gender. The term hermana is feminine by nature, so it is specifically referring to a sister. If you are talking about a brother, the term would be hermano.
Here’s an example for reference:
- Mi hermano es mayor que mi hermana.
- My brother is older than my sister.
Remember that when referring to a mixed group of siblings, Spanish has a default masculine plural:
- Mis hermanos son increíbles.
My siblings are amazing.
How to Use Possessive Forms with Sister in Spanish
To say your sister concerning you or another person, you will employ possessive adjectives, e.g., mi (my), tu (your), or su (their). Your possessive words are adjustable based on whom the sister belongs to.
The following are some examples:
- Mi hermana vive en Madrid.
My sister lives in Madrid.
- Su hermana es muy talentosa.
Her sister is very talented.
- Tu hermana menor está aquí.
Your little sister has arrived.
Observe that hermana does not alter its form, but the possessive adjective changes to express the relation.
Common Phrases That Employ Sister in Spanish.
If you wish to refer to various types of sisters or family relations in Spanish, there are certain fixed phrases you can employ. These are frequently employed in everyday usage.
1.Hermana mayor — Elder sister
- Mi hermana mayor siempre me cuida.
- My older sister always takes care of me.
2.Hermana menor – Younger sister
- Soy la hermana menor de mi familia.
- I’m the youngest sister in my family.
3.Media hermana – Half-sister
- Mi media hermana y yo tenemos la misma mamá.
- My half-sister and I have the same mother.
4.Hermana de corazón – Sister at heart (used for close friends)
- Ella no es mi hermana de sangre, pero es mi hermana de corazón.
- She’s not my sister by blood, but she’s my sister at heart.
Sister in Spanish in a Cultural Context
The family is at the center of most Spanish cultures, and words such as “hermana” tend to be very rich in cultural connotations. When describing intimate family members, words of affection and bonding are used in casual conversations.
For instance, “hermanita” (little sister) is routinely used as an endearment, irrespective of age, between siblings. Likewise, if you observe women using each other hermana in a welcoming manner, it implies depth of relationship or association, much like “sister” in English.
There are also idiomatic expressions based on hermana in Spanish. For example:
- Eres como una hermana para mí.
You’re like a sister to me.
- Cuatro hermanas y un destino.
Four sisters and one destiny (stressing unity and shared destiny).
Making sense of these cultural differences serves to enable you to more naturally use “hermana” in speech as well as writing.
Bringing it All Together
Learning to pronounce sister in Spanish and how to apply it in the proper contexts can really give you a confidence boost when using the language. Now that you know the fundamentals of hermana, you can now incorporate possessive constructions, everyday expressions, and cultural phrases into your vocabulary arsenal.
Whether you’re sharing family stories, meeting new people, or simply broadening your linguistic horizons, you’ll be ready to include “hermana” seamlessly into your Spanish discussions.
Why stop here? Start practicing today by describing your family in Spanish or connecting with Spanish-speaking communities. For a deeper understanding of phrases and conversations in Spanish, consider exploring more language-learning tools.
FAQs
How do you pronounce “sisters” in Spanish?
The Spanish plural for “sister” is “Hermanus.” For instance, “I have two sisters” would be “Tengo dos hermanas.”
What is the difference between “hermana” and “hermanita”?
“Hermanita” is an affectionate diminutive form of “Hermana,” which is usually used to express warmth or talk about a younger sister. It also introduces a friendly touch, as using the equivalent expression “little sister” does in English.
How do you express “step-sister” or “half-sister” in Spanish?
A step-sister is known as “hermanastra” in Spanish, while a half-sister is known as “media hermana.” These words serve to qualify familial relationships.
Can “hermana” be employed in religious or formal situations?
Yes, “Hermana” can be employed in religious situations to denote “sister,” meaning a nun. For instance, “Hermana María” would be used to refer to Sister María in a religious order.
Are there idiomatic expressions using “hermana”?
One idiomatic phrase using “hermana” is “más que una hermana,” translated as “more than a sister,” to refer to a very intimate relationship with somebody, even though they may not be related.
Further Reading and Resources
- The Role of Sisters in Religious Communities – Learn more about the use of “hermana” in religious contexts and its significance within various faith traditions.
- Idiomatic Expressions in Spanish – Explore more idiomatic expressions in Spanish and their meanings.
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