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How To Say "Cousin" In Spanish

When it comes to learning a new language, one of the first things many people want to know is how to say basic terms like "cousin". If you are looking to learn Spanish, you may be wondering, "What is 'cousin' in Spanish?" or "How do I say 'cousin' in Spanish?". In this article, we will explore the meaning of "cousin" in Spanish and provide a guide for translating it accurately.

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What is "Cousin" in Spanish?

The word for "cousin" in Spanish is "primo" (IPA: /ˈpɾimo/). This term is used to describe a cousin from either side of the family, whether it is your mother's brother's child or your father's sister's child.

Meaning of "Cousin" in Spanish

In Spanish, "primo" can refer to both male and female cousins, just like in English. It is important to note that the word "prima" can also be used to specifically refer to a female cousin, but this is not necessary since "primo" is gender-neutral.

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Translating "Cousin" to Spanish

If you are looking to accurately translate "cousin" to Spanish, keep in mind that context matters. For example, if you want to say "my cousin" in Spanish, you would use "mi primo" (IPA: /mi ˈpɾimo/) if the cousin is male or "mi prima" (IPA: /mi ˈpɾima/) if the cousin is female.

If you are speaking about multiple cousins, you would use mis primos (IPA: /mis ˈpɾimos/) for both male and mixed-gender groups, or mis primas (IPA: /mis ˈpɾimas/) for female-only groups.

Regional Differences

Just like in English, there can be regional differences in the Spanish language. While "primo" is the most common way to say "cousin" in Spanish, some Spanish-speaking countries may use different words or phrases. For example:

  • In Argentina, primo hermano (IPA: /ˈpɾimo eɾˈmano/) is sometimes used to specifically refer to a first cousin.
  • In Chile, pariente (IPA: /paˈɾjente/) can be used as a general term for any relative, including cousins.
  • In Mexico, primo segundo (IPA: /ˈpɾimo seˈɣundo/) can be used to specifically refer to a second cousin.

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How to Say Cousin in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "cousin" in Spanish:

  • ¿Vas a la boda de tu prima?

(Are you going to your cousin's wedding?)

  • Mi primo vive en España.

(My cousin lives in Spain.)

  • Tengo muchos primos en mi familia.

(I have many cousins in my family.)

  • Mi prima y yo somos muy cercanos.

(My cousin and I are very close.)

  • Quiero llamar a mi primo para su cumpleaños.

(I want to call my cousin for their birthday.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to say "cousin" in Spanish, you would use "primo" as a gender-neutral term. However, keep in mind that regional differences may apply, and context matters when translating the term accurately. By using the guide provided in this article, you will be able to confidently communicate with your Spanish-speaking cousins and family members.


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