How To Say "Brother" In Spanish

If you are learning Spanish or planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, you might want to know how to say "brother" in Spanish. In this article, we will explore the various ways to express this term in Spanish and provide you with some context on regional differences. We will also cover the meaning of "brother" in Spanish and how to translate it accurately.

Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!

What is "Brother" in Spanish?

The most common translation for "brother" in Spanish is "hermano" (IPA: /eɾ.'ma.no/). This is the term used in Spain, Mexico, and most of Latin America. However, there are some regional differences in other countries:

• In Argentina, "brother" can also be translated as hermanito (IPA: /eɾ.ma.'ni.to/), which means "little brother".
• In Colombia, "brother" can be translated as parcero (IPA: /paɾ.'se.ɾo/), which is a slang term used among friends to mean "buddy" or "pal".
• In Chile, "brother" can be translated as compadre (IPA: /kom.'pa.dɾe/), which is also a slang term used to refer to a close friend or even a godfather.

Meaning of "Brother" in Spanish

Like in English, "brother" in Spanish can have several meanings, depending on the context:

• A male sibling who has the same parents.
• A male member of a religious order, such as a monk or a friar.
• A close male friend or companion.

4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords

Translating "Brother" to Spanish

If you want to translate "brother" to Spanish, you can use the following phrases:

• My brother - Mi hermano (IPA: /mi erˈmano/)
• Big brother - Hermano mayor (IPA: /eɾˈma.no maˈjoɾ/)
• Little brother - Hermano menor (IPA: /eɾˈma.no meˈnoɾ/)
• Brother-in-law - Cuñado (IPA: /ˈkuɲaðo/)
• Stepbrother - Hermanastro (IPA: /eɾ.maˈnas.tɾo/)

Regional Differences

Spanish is spoken in many countries around the world, and each region has its own unique vocabulary and expressions. Here are some regional differences in the way "brother" is expressed in Spanish:

• In Mexico, cuate (IPA: /ˈkwa.te/) or wey (IPA: /weɪ/) can be used to refer to a close male friend, similar to "dude" or "bro" in English. These terms can also be used to address a stranger or as a generic term for a young male.
• In Argentina, "hermano" can also mean "dude" or "bro" in informal settings, especially among young people.
• In Spain, colega (IPA: /koˈleɣa/) or amigo (IPA: /aˈmiɣo/) can be used to refer to a close male friend, although "hermano" is also common.

You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.) 

How to Say "Brother" in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences on how to say "brother" in Spanish:

• ¿Dónde está mi hermano?

(Where is my brother?)

• Mi hermano mayor es muy inteligente.

(My older brother is very smart.)

• ¿Conoces a mi hermano menor?

(Do you know my younger brother?)

• Tengo un hermano gemelo.

(I have a twin brother.)

• Mi hermano de corazón siempre está ahí para mí.

(My brother from another mother is always there for me.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most common translation for "brother" in Spanish is "hermano". However, there are some regional differences, such as "hermanito" in Argentina, "parcero" in Colombia, and "compadre" in Chile. "Brother" can have several meanings, including a male sibling, a member of a religious order, or a close friend. If you want to translate "brother" to Spanish, you can use phrases like "mi hermano" for "my brother", "hermano mayor" for "big brother", or "cuñado" for "brother-in-law". We hope this article has helped you understand how to say "brother" in Spanish.