How to Say Brother-In-Law in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, understanding family terms like "brother-in-law" in different languages is crucial for effective communication across cultures. In Spanish, you refer to your brother-in-law as cuñado (IPA: /kuˈɲaðo/). This term also applies to the husband of a sister or the brother of a spouse.
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How to Address Your Brother-In-Law in Spanish
The word "cuñado" is used both formally and informally across Spanish-speaking regions. It's important to note that while it primarily refers to your sibling’s spouse, it also includes your spouse’s siblings. For example, if you have a sister-in-law, she would be referred to as cuñada.
Cultural Context and Usage of "Cuñado"
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In Spanish-speaking cultures, the term "cuñado" is not just a linguistic necessity but also carries cultural significance. It represents the extended family network that forms when someone marries into your family. This term is used affectionately to denote close familial relationships.
Sample Sentences with Context
To better understand how to use "cuñado" in conversation, here are some sample sentences:
- Mi hermano se casó, así que ahora tengo un cuñado.
(My brother got married, so now I have a brother-in-law.)
- Mi cuñado es muy simpático y siempre me hace reír.
(My brother-in-law is very friendly and always makes me laugh.)
- Mis cuñados y yo salimos a cenar juntos este fin de semana.
(My brothers-in-law and I went out to dinner together this weekend.)
- Mi cuñado vive en México, así que vamos a visitarlo en nuestras vacaciones.
(My brother-in-law lives in Mexico, so we're going to visit him on our vacation.)
- Hoy es el cumpleaños de mi cuñado.
(Today is my brother-in-law's birthday.)
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