pariente
/pah-ree-EN-tay/
relative
This image shows a relative (pariente), illustrating a family connection.
📝 In Action
Todos mis parientes vendrán a la boda.
A1All my relatives will come to the wedding.
Ella es mi pariente favorita; siempre me da buenos consejos.
A2She is my favorite relative; she always gives me good advice.
No tengo muchos parientes en esta ciudad, solo mis padres.
A1I don't have many relatives in this city, only my parents.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Flexibility
Pariente is a noun that describes both men and women. You use 'el pariente' for a male relative and 'la pariente' for a female relative, but the word itself doesn't change.
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Cognate Alert
Mistake: "Using 'parientes' to mean 'parents'."
Correction: The correct word for 'parents' (mother and father) is 'padres'. Remember: 'parientes' means 'relatives' in general.
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural Use
If you say 'los parientes' (the relatives), it usually refers to a group that includes both male and female relatives.
Two apples are clearly related (pariente) because they are similar in nature.
📝 In Action
La crisis económica es pariente de la inestabilidad política.
B1The economic crisis is related to political instability.
Estos dos idiomas son parientes cercanos, por eso se parecen tanto.
B2These two languages are close relatives (related), that's why they are so similar.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'
When used as an adjective, 'pariente' almost always goes with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe an inherent connection or relationship between two things.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pariente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'parientes'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'pariente' be used to mean 'parent' (mother or father)?
While the Latin root meant 'parent,' in modern Spanish, 'pariente' almost exclusively means 'relative' (aunt, cousin, grandparent, etc.). You should always use 'padres' for 'parents' (mother and father).
Does 'pariente' change its ending for gender?
No. The word itself stays 'pariente' regardless of gender. Only the article changes: 'el pariente' (male relative) and 'la pariente' (female relative).