my brother
in Spanishmi hermano
/mee ehr-MAH-noh/
This is the most direct, standard, and universally understood way to say 'my brother' in Spanish. It's appropriate for any context, from a formal introduction to a casual conversation.
Whether he's your 'hermano,' 'hermanito,' or 'carnal,' the bond between brothers is a key part of family life.
💬Other Ways to Say It
mi hermanito
/mee ehr-mah-NEE-toh/
This is the diminutive form, adding '-ito' to the end. It literally means 'my little brother,' but it's used affectionately for a brother of any age, especially if you're close or he's younger.
mi carnal
/mee kar-NAHL/
A very common slang term in Mexico that means 'brother' but also 'close friend' or 'buddy.' It comes from 'carne' (meat/flesh), implying you are of the same flesh and blood. It has a strong feeling of loyalty and brotherhood.
mi bro
/mee BROH/
A direct borrowing from English, this is a very modern and casual slang term used mostly by younger people. It's the Spanish equivalent of 'my bro.'
mi pana
/mee PAH-nah/
This is a very popular slang term for 'buddy,' 'pal,' or 'mate.' While it usually refers to a close friend, it can absolutely be used to refer to your brother if you have a very close, friendly relationship.
mi hermanote
/mee ehr-mah-NOH-teh/
This is the augmentative form, adding '-ote' to the end. It means 'my big brother' and can be used affectionately or jokingly to emphasize his size or age.
mi compi
/mee KOM-pee/
Short for 'compadre' (godfather/close friend) or 'compañero' (companion), 'compi' is a friendly term for a buddy or mate. Like 'pana,' it's often used for a brother who is also your best friend.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'my brother' to help you choose the right one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| mi hermano | Neutral | Any situation, formal or informal. The universally correct term. | Never. This is always a safe bet. |
| mi hermanito | Informal / Affectionate | Showing fondness for your brother, especially if he's younger. | Very formal settings where you want to maintain a professional tone. |
| mi carnal | Casual (Slang) | Casual conversations with your brother or close friends, mainly in Mexico. | Speaking with strangers, elders, or in any formal or professional context. |
| mi pana | Casual (Slang) | Emphasizing the 'buddy' aspect of your relationship in the Caribbean and parts of South America. | In regions where it's not used (like Spain or Argentina) or in formal situations. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The 'h' is silent, and the 'r' is a light tap, not a full roll. The stress is on the second-to-last syllable: ehr-MAH-noh.
Very simple. It's just the possessive adjective 'mi' plus the noun 'hermano.' It doesn't change based on the speaker.
While the basic phrase is easy, knowing when to use 'hermanito,' 'carnal,' or 'pana' requires understanding informality, affection, and regional slang.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the silent 'h'
- Knowing which slang term is appropriate for which region and situation
💡Examples in Action
Te presento a mi hermano, Carlos.
I'd like to introduce you to my brother, Carlos.
Mi hermanito se acaba de graduar de la universidad. ¡Estoy muy orgulloso!
My little brother just graduated from college. I'm so proud!
¿Qué onda, carnal? ¿Vamos por unos tacos?
What's up, bro? Are we going for some tacos?
Mi hermano mayor siempre me da buenos consejos.
My older brother always gives me good advice.
🌍Cultural Context
The Power of '-ito'
In Spanish, adding '-ito' or '-ita' to the end of a noun (like 'hermano' -> 'hermanito') is a very common way to show affection. It doesn't always mean something is small; it often just adds a layer of warmth and closeness. You'll hear it used for family members, friends, and even pets.
Family First
The concept of family is often central in Hispanic cultures. The bond between siblings is typically very strong, which is why there are so many terms, from formal to slang, to describe this relationship. Referring to a close friend as 'hermano' or 'carnal' is a high compliment, signifying they are like family.
One Word, Two Meanings: 'Hermanos'
Be aware that the plural 'hermanos' can mean two different things. It can mean 'brothers' (a group of males), or it can mean 'siblings' (a group of brothers and sisters). Context is key! If someone asks '¿Tienes hermanos?', they are asking 'Do you have any siblings?'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Slang in Formal Settings
Mistake: "Introducing your brother to your boss as 'mi carnal'."
Correction: Use 'mi hermano' in any professional or formal situation.
Confusing 'Hermano' and 'Hombre'
Mistake: "Saying 'mi hombre' when you mean 'my brother'."
Correction: Always use 'mi hermano' for 'my brother'.
Incorrect Possessive
Mistake: "Saying 'yo hermano' or 'el hermano de me'."
Correction: The correct possessive is 'mi hermano'.
💡Pro Tips
Specifying Age: Mayor and Menor
To be specific about age, use 'hermano mayor' for 'older brother' and 'hermano menor' for 'younger brother.' This is the standard and clear way to do it in any context.
When in Doubt, Use 'Hermano'
If you're ever unsure about which term to use, 'mi hermano' is always the safe and correct choice. It works everywhere, with everyone, and in every situation.
Listen for Local Slang
Pay attention to how native speakers in a specific region refer to their brothers and friends. You'll quickly pick up on whether 'pana,' 'carnal,' 'tío,' or another term is the local favorite for showing casual closeness.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
'Carnal' is the defining slang for 'brother' in Mexico, carrying a deep sense of loyalty. It's used far more frequently here than anywhere else. 'Mano', a shortened form of 'hermano', is also common.
Spain
In Spain, the word 'tío' (uncle) is extremely common slang for 'guy' or 'dude' and is often used when addressing a brother informally, like '¿Qué pasa, tío?' (What's up, man?). 'Colega' (colleague) can also mean 'buddy'.
Argentina
Argentinians use 'che' constantly to get someone's attention, so you'll often hear 'Che, mi hermano...'. Using affectionate nicknames based on physical appearance like 'flaco' or 'gordo' is very common and not considered offensive.
Caribbean (Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic)
'Pana' is the quintessential Caribbean slang for a close friend, and it's perfectly suited for a brother. 'Mano', the shortened version of 'hermano', is also extremely common and signals familiarity and speed.
📱Texting & Social Media
hermano
Used frequently in WhatsApp, Instagram, and other text-based communication to save space.
q tal hno? todo bien?
what's up bro? all good?
brother (from English)
Used by younger speakers across the Spanish-speaking world, especially online and in cities.
nos vemos al rato bro
see you later bro
💬What Comes Next?
After you introduce your brother.
Mucho gusto.
Nice to meet you.
Igualmente.
Likewise.
Someone asks about your family.
¿Es tu hermano mayor o menor?
Is he your older or younger brother?
Es mi hermano mayor/menor.
He's my older/younger brother.
You mention your brother in conversation.
¿A qué se dedica tu hermano?
What does your brother do (for a living)?
Él es [profesión], por ejemplo: 'Él es doctor.'
He's a [profession], for example: 'He's a doctor.'
🧠Memory Tricks
This silly visual story connects the English words 'her man' to the sound of 'hermano,' making it easier to recall.
This connection to a more advanced English word helps you remember the deep, blood-brother meaning of this common slang term.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference from English is the emotional and social weight carried by Spanish variations. While English has 'bro' or 'brother,' Spanish has a richer vocabulary of diminutives ('hermanito'), augmentatives ('hermanote'), and regional slang ('carnal', 'pana') that conveys specific nuances of affection, loyalty, and friendship. The concept of a friend being 'like a brother' is more deeply embedded in the language itself.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
my sister
This is the direct female equivalent and uses the same structure: 'mi hermana.'
Do you have siblings?
A natural follow-up question in conversations about family. It introduces the plural 'hermanos'.
my parents
Expands your family vocabulary to the next logical members: 'mis padres'.
He is older than me
Allows you to add more detail when describing your brother, using 'Es mayor que yo.'
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: my brother
Question 1 of 4
You're in Mexico City meeting your friend's close-knit group for the first time. He points to one guy and says, 'Este es mi carnal, Luis.' How should you interpret their relationship?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'mi hermano' and 'mi hermanito'?
'Mi hermano' is the standard, neutral way to say 'my brother.' 'Mi hermanito' is the affectionate version. It literally means 'my little brother,' but it's used to show fondness for a brother of any age, not just a younger one. Think of it like saying 'my dear brother'.
How do you say 'siblings' in Spanish?
You use the plural form 'hermanos.' This is a key point: 'hermanos' can mean 'brothers' (if it's all males) OR 'siblings' (a mix of brothers and sisters). If someone asks '¿Cuántos hermanos tienes?', they are asking 'How many siblings do you have?'
How do I say 'older brother' and 'younger brother'?
It's very straightforward. For 'older brother,' you say 'mi hermano mayor.' For 'younger brother,' you say 'mi hermano menor.' This works in all formal and informal situations.
Can I use 'carnal' in Spain or Argentina?
It's best not to. 'Carnal' is very specific to Mexico and some parts of Central America. While people in Spain or Argentina might understand it from movies, it's not part of their daily slang and would sound out of place. Stick to 'hermano' or local slang like 'tío' in Spain.
Is it common for Spanish speakers to just say 'bro'?
Yes, especially among younger people in urban areas. Borrowing 'bro' from English has become quite trendy and is widely understood in casual contexts, particularly in texting and social media. However, 'hermano' remains the standard.
What if I have more than one brother?
You would use the plural form: 'mis hermanos'. The possessive adjective also changes from 'mi' to 'mis' to agree with the plural noun. For example, 'Mis hermanos viven en California' means 'My brothers live in California.'
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