Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Hermana in English: Sister
Hermana · noun · ehr-MAH-nah
Hermana is the Spanish word for sister. The masculine counterpart is hermano (brother), and hermanos can refer to siblings in general.
ehr-MAH-nah
Mi hermana es mi mejor amiga.
My sister is my best friend.
Hermana In English in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for hermana in english, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| hermana | hermana in english | ehr-MAH-nah | Default, widely understood |
| sister | hermana in english | English equivalent |
How Native Speakers Use Hermana
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Family bond
Mi hermana mayor siempre me cuida.
My older sister always takes care of me.
Describing a close sibling relationship.
Introduction
Mi hermana se llama Ana y vive en Barcelona.
My sister's name is Ana and she lives in Barcelona.
Telling someone about a family member.
Affectionate term
Ella no es mi hermana de sangre, pero la considero mi hermana.
She's not my blood sister, but I consider her my sister.
Describing a close friend as family.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Hermana
Pronouncing the H
Incorrect: Her-MAH-nah (pronouncing the H).
Correct: ehr-MAH-nah (silent H).
The letter H is always silent in Spanish — hermana is pronounced as if it started with an E.
Using hermano for sister
Incorrect: Mi hermano es doctora.
Correct: Mi hermana es doctora.
Hermano is masculine (brother) while hermana is feminine (sister) — use the correct gender form.
Lock in Hermana In English Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Hermana used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using hermana in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi hermana es mi mejor amiga. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Hermana In English in Spanish
- What does hermana mean in English?
- Hermana translates to sister in English — it specifically refers to a female sibling.
- What is the male equivalent of hermana?
- The male equivalent is hermano, meaning brother. The plural hermanos can mean brothers or siblings (mixed group).
- How do you say 'step-sister' in Spanish?
- The term is hermanastra, which combines hermana with the suffix -astra to indicate a step-sibling relationship.