hermanita
/er-mah-NEE-tah/
little sister
This image illustrates 'hermanita' meaning 'little sister' or 'younger sibling'.
hermanita(noun)
little sister
?younger sibling
,dear sister
?term of endearment
younger sister
?referring specifically to age
📝 In Action
Mi hermanita tiene solo cinco años y le encanta dibujar.
A1My little sister is only five years old and she loves to draw.
¡Hola, hermanita! ¿Cómo te fue en el colegio hoy?
A2Hello, dear sister! How was school today?
💡 Grammar Points
The Diminutive Suffix
The '-ita' ending doesn't just mean 'small'; it usually adds a feeling of affection, warmth, or tenderness. It turns 'sister' (hermana) into 'dear little sister' (hermanita).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Size and Affection
Mistake: "Using 'hermanita' only for sisters who are physically small or young."
Correction: You can call your adult sister 'hermanita' if you feel close to her. The affection is more important than the age.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affectionate Nickname
Even older siblings often use 'hermanita' to talk about their younger sister, regardless of her actual age, as a loving nickname.
In a religious context, 'hermanita' can refer to a nun or 'sister' in a religious order.
hermanita(noun)
sister
?a nun in a religious order
sister
?a very close female friend (informal endearment)
📝 In Action
La hermanita María cuida de los enfermos en el hospital de la misión.
B1Sister María takes care of the sick people at the mission hospital.
¡Qué alegría verte, hermanita! Hace mucho que no hablamos.
B2What a joy to see you, sister! It’s been a while since we talked. (Used between very close female friends)
💡 Grammar Points
Religious Title
In a religious context, 'hermanita' (often capitalized or preceded by 'la') is a title of respect used for nuns or members of certain female religious communities.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear someone refer to 'la hermanita' in a formal setting (like a church or hospital), they are almost certainly referring to a nun, not a family member.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hermanita
Question 1 of 2
If someone says 'Es mi hermanita, aunque es mayor que yo,' what does 'hermanita' most likely convey?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'hermana' and 'hermanita'?
'Hermana' is the neutral word for 'sister.' 'Hermanita' is the diminutive form, which adds a layer of affection, indicating she is either younger, small, or, most commonly, very dear to the speaker.
Can I use 'hermanita' for a friend who isn't my sister?
Yes, absolutely! In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially informally, 'hermanita' (or 'hermana') is used between very close female friends to show a bond as strong as family.