cuñado
/koo-NYAH-doh/
brother-in-law
A depiction of a brother-in-law, or cuñado.
📝 In Action
Mi cuñado nos ayudó a pintar la casa este fin de semana.
A2My brother-in-law helped us paint the house this weekend.
El esposo de mi hermana es mi cuñado.
A1My sister's husband is my brother-in-law.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matching
Remember that 'cuñado' is masculine. If you are talking about a sister-in-law, you must use the feminine form, 'cuñada'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with Cousin
Mistake: "Using 'primo' when you mean 'cuñado'."
Correction: 'Primo' means cousin (male), while 'cuñado' is specifically brother-in-law. They are two different relationships.
This illustrates the colloquial meaning of cuñado—a know-it-all.
cuñado(noun)
know-it-all
?Used to describe a stereotypical person, often middle-aged, who is arrogant or gives unwanted advice.
tacky person
?Refers to someone exhibiting bad taste, especially related to consumerism or fashion.
📝 In Action
Mi vecino es un cuñado, siempre opina de todo aunque no sepa nada.
B2My neighbor is a 'cuñado' (a know-it-all), he always gives opinions on everything even if he knows nothing.
Comprarse un televisor de ese tamaño es muy de cuñado.
C1Buying a TV that size is very 'cuñado' (very stereotypical/tacky).
💡 Grammar Points
Understanding the Cultural Joke
This meaning is based on the idea that family gatherings often involve a brother-in-law who dominates conversations, offering unsolicited and often wrong advice, making him the target of lighthearted ridicule.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
This informal meaning is specific to Spain and might not be understood, or could cause confusion, if used in Latin American countries where the word is strictly literal.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuñado
Question 1 of 1
If your Spanish friend says, 'No quiero escuchar la opinión de mi cuñado sobre economía,' which meaning is MOST likely intended?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'cuñado' to refer to a friend's brother?
No. 'Cuñado' is strictly a family relationship—the brother of your spouse or the husband of your sister/brother. Use 'hermano de mi amigo' (my friend's brother) instead.
Is the slang meaning of 'cuñado' used everywhere?
The slang meaning (know-it-all/tacky) is common in Spain but generally not understood in most of Latin America, where the word retains only its literal meaning of brother-in-law.