Family members are the people connected to you by blood, marriage, or other relationships. In Spanish, there are specific words for each type of family member, as well as useful phrases for talking about your family.
Immediate Family
Immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, and children, who are part of a person's closest family circle.
These are the family members you usually live with or see most often. They include parents, siblings, and children.
| Spanish | English | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| madre | mother | Mi madre es muy cariñosa. | My mother is very loving. |
| padre | father | Mi padre trabaja en una oficina. | My father works in an office. |
| hermano | brother | Tengo un hermano mayor. | I have an older brother. |
| hermana | sister | Mi hermana menor es muy inteligente. | My younger sister is very smart. |
| hijo | son | Tengo un hijo de cinco años. | I have a five-year-old son. |
| hija | daughter | Mi hija estudia música. | My daughter studies music. |
Extended Family
Extended family includes relatives beyond the immediate family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
These family members are usually part of a larger family network and are important in many cultures for gatherings and traditions.
| Spanish | English | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| abuelo | grandfather | Mi abuelo cuenta historias interesantes. | My grandfather tells interesting stories. |
| abuela | grandmother | La abuela cocina los mejores pasteles. | Grandmother bakes the best cakes. |
| tío | uncle | Mi tío vive en otra ciudad. | My uncle lives in another city. |
| tía | aunt | Mi tía es muy simpática. | My aunt is very nice. |
| primo | cousin (male) | Mi primo juega al fútbol. | My cousin (male) plays soccer. |
| prima | cousin (female) | Mi prima es médica. | My cousin (female) is a doctor. |
In-Laws and Step-Family
Terms for family members related by marriage or remarriage, including in-laws and step-relatives.
These words help you talk about family relationships that come from marriage or blended families.
| Spanish | English | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| suegro | father-in-law | Mi suegro es muy amable. | My father-in-law is very kind. |
| suegra | mother-in-law | La suegra de mi amigo es divertida. | My friend's mother-in-law is funny. |
| cuñado | brother-in-law | Mi cuñado es ingeniero. | My brother-in-law is an engineer. |
| cuñada | sister-in-law | Mi cuñada vive cerca de mí. | My sister-in-law lives near me. |
| padrastro | stepfather | Mi padrastro me ayuda con la tarea. | My stepfather helps me with homework. |
| madrastra | stepmother | Mi madrastra es muy amable. | My stepmother is very kind. |
Translate the following English sentence into Spanish, filling in the correct family member.
Mi cuñado es ingeniero.
'Cuñado' significa 'brother-in-law' y 'ingeniero' es el sustantivo masculino para 'engineer'. La frase correcta es 'Mi cuñado es ingeniero.'
Common Phrases
Useful phrases for talking about family in Spanish, including how to introduce, describe, and ask about family members.
These phrases will help you have simple conversations about your family and understand others when they talk about theirs.
| Spanish | English | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tengo una familia grande. | I have a big family. | Tengo una familia grande con muchos primos. | I have a big family with many cousins. |
| ¿Tienes hermanos? | Do you have siblings? | ¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas? | Do you have brothers or sisters? |
| Vivo con mis padres. | I live with my parents. | Vivo con mis padres y mi hermana. | I live with my parents and my sister. |
| Mi familia es muy unida. | My family is very close. | Mi familia es muy unida y nos ayudamos siempre. | My family is very close and we always help each other. |
| ¿Quién es él/ella? | Who is he/she? | ¿Quién es ella? ¿Tu hermana? | Who is she? Your sister? |
| Estoy casado/casada. | I am married. | Estoy casado y tengo dos hijos. | I am married and have two children. |
Translate the following English sentence into Spanish, filling in the correct phrase.
Tengo una familia grande.
'Tengo una familia grande.' significa 'I have a big family.' en español.
Summary
Quick overview of the most important family members and related terms in Spanish, including tips for usage.
These are the key words and concepts you need to talk about family in Spanish. Remember that Spanish nouns have gender, and the plural forms are made by adding -s or -es.
- Immediate family includes madre, padre, hermano, hermana, hijo, hija.
- Extended family includes abuelo, abuela, tío, tía, primo, prima.
- In-laws and step-family include suegro, suegra, cuñado, cuñada, padrastro, madrastra.
- Use ¿Tienes hermanos? to ask about siblings and Tengo una familia grande to describe your family size.
- Family members are important in Spanish-speaking cultures, so these words are very useful in conversation.
Flashcards (1 of 24)
- English: mother
- Example in English: My mother is very loving.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
