How to Say "maternal" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “maternal” is “materno” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Mis abuelos maternos son de México.
My maternal grandparents (on my mother's side) are from Mexico.
El español es mi lengua materna.
Spanish is my mother tongue (native language).
Ella tiene un instinto materno muy fuerte.
She has a very strong motherly instinct.
Matching the Noun
Since this is an adjective, it must change to 'materna' if the thing you are describing is feminine. For example: 'el abuelo materno' but 'la abuela materna'.
Placement
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing it describes. Say 'instinto materno,' not 'materno instinto.'
Confusing 'materno' with 'maternal'
Mistake: “Using 'maternal' to describe family sides, like 'mis abuelos maternales.'”
Correction: Use 'materno/a' for family sides. Say 'mis abuelos maternos.' While 'maternal' exists in Spanish, 'materno' is the standard way to identify the mother's side of the family.
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