hermanas
/er-mah-nas/
sisters
Visualizing 'hermanas' as female siblings.
hermanas(Noun)
sisters
?female siblings
siblings (female group)
?when referring to a group of only daughters
📝 In Action
Mis hermanas y yo vamos al cine esta noche.
A1My sisters and I are going to the cinema tonight.
Tengo dos hermanas mayores que viven en Madrid.
A2I have two older sisters who live in Madrid.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Plural
This word is the plural form of 'hermana.' It is always feminine and requires feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'las hermanas buenas').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'hermanas' and 'hermanos'
Mistake: "Using 'hermanos' to refer only to a group of female siblings."
Correction: Use 'hermanas' for an all-female group. Use 'hermanos' for a mixed group of brothers and sisters, or an all-male group.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Plural for Mixed Groups
Remember that if you have one brother and one sister, you still refer to them collectively as 'mis hermanos' (the masculine plural takes over for mixed groups).
Visualizing 'hermanas' as members of a religious order, or nuns.
📝 In Action
Las hermanas del convento cuidan de los ancianos.
B1The sisters (nuns) of the convent look after the elderly.
Pedimos ayuda a las hermanas de la caridad.
B2We asked the Sisters of Charity for help.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Address
In this context, 'hermana' is often used as a title of respect, similar to 'Sister' in English, especially when addressing one person directly.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in a church, convent, or hospital run by a religious order, 'hermanas' almost certainly refers to nuns or religious caregivers, not family members.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hermanas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'hermanas' to mean female siblings?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'my brothers and sisters' in Spanish?
You use the masculine plural form: 'mis hermanos.' In Spanish, when referring to a group that includes both males and females, the masculine form is used for the whole group.
Can 'hermanas' ever mean just 'friends'?
While the singular 'hermana' is often used affectionately for a very close female friend (like 'sister' in English), the plural 'hermanas' usually means biological siblings or religious sisters. You are safer using 'amigas' (friends) or 'compañeras' (companions) for a group of friends.