When you start learning a new language, family vocabulary is one of the first things you want to cover.
Talking about your family members with your new foreign friends creates special bonds, and being able to do it in the language you’ve just started studying seems like a big accomplishment.
Learning a new language isn’t just about grasping words and phrases; it’s about unlocking the essence of a culture. And when it comes to culture, family is at the heart of it all.
That’s why understanding family-related terms in a foreign language is more than just a linguistic achievement; it’s a gateway to the heart and soul of a community.
This guide aims to teach you basic family vocabulary in Spanish we’ve also included words that might even pique the interest of intermediate learners.
Do you know how to talk about family in Spanish? If you’re not sure where to begin, relax; we’re here to walk you through it.
Do you know how to say “sister-in-law” in Spanish? We’ve got that covered, too.
And the icing on the cake—do you know how to pronounce “sister-in-law” in Spanish? No? Don’t fret – we’ve got the phonetics down pat.
So, keep reading, and let’s embark on this enriching journey together.
Family Vocabulary in Spanish: Beyond the Basics
As mentioned earlier, in this guide, you will not just skim the surface but delve deep into the nuances of family vocabulary in Spanish.
But before we dive into the intricacies of addressing “sister-in-law” in Spanish and talking about great-great-grandparents, let’s build a strong foundation.
We’ll categorize the terms for easy reference, providing you with the phonetic pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the English translation.
The Heart of the Family: Nuclear Family Members Chart (Familia Nuclear)
EnglishSpanishPronunciation fatherpadre/ˈpaðɾe/mothermadre/ˈmaðɾe/parentspadres/ˈpaðɾes/sonhijo/ˈixo/daughterhija/ˈixa/childrenhijos/ˈixos/husbandesposo/ˈesposo/wifeesposa/ˈesposa/brotherhermano/erˈmano/sisterhermana/erˈmana/siblingshermanos/erˈmanos/
You will hear children call their parents papá /paˈpa/ and mamá /maˈma/ to say “dad” and “mom.” Just remember to put the accent on the last syllable here.
The Extended Circle: Extended Family Members Chart (Familia Extendida)
EnglishSpanishPronunciation grandfatherabuelo/aβwelo/grandmotherabuela/aβwela/grandparentsabuelos/aβwelos/great-grandfatherbisabuelo/bisaβwelo/great-grandmotherbisabuela/bisaβwela/great-grandparentsbisabuelos/bisaβwelos/great-great-grandfathertatarabuelo/tataɾaβwelo/ great-great-grandmothertatarabuela/tataɾaβwela/great-great-grandparentstatarabuelos/tataɾaβwelos/ grandsonnieto/njeto/ granddaughternieta/njeta/ grandchildrennietos/njetos/ great-grandsonbisnieto/biznjeto/ great-granddaughterbisnieta/biznjeta/great-grandchildrenbisnietos/biznjetos/ uncletío/ˈtio/aunttía/ˈtia/aunt and uncletíos/ˈtios/cousin (male)primo/pɾimo/ cousin (female)prima/pɾima/cousinsprimos/pɾimos/nephewsobrino/soβɾino/niecesobrina/soβɾina/ niece and nephewsobrinos/soβɾinos/
Children may also call their grandparents abu or abue.
Family Connections: In-Laws Chart (Familia Política)
EnglishSpanishPronunciation father-in-lawsuegro/sweɣɾo/ mother-in-lawsuegra/sweɣɾa/in-lawssuegros/sweɣɾos/ son-in-lawyerno/ʝeɾno/daughter-in-lawnuera/nweɾa/ brother-in-lawcuñado/kuɲaðo/sister-in-lawcuñada/kuɲaða/
The Family Mix Chart
EnglishSpanishPronunciation stepfatherpadrastro/paðɾastɾo/ stepmothermadrastra/maðɾastɾa/stepsonhijastro/ixastɾo/stepdaughterhijastra/ixastɾa/stepbrotherhermanastro/eɾmanastɾo/stepsisterhermanastra/eɾmanastɾa/
Pronouncing Spanish Family Words
Sometimes, the IPA pronunciation may not be enough for beginners as there are many new sounds to handle. Try breaking the words into smaller chunks.
For example, try to pronounce sister-in-law in Spanish. Now, you know that the correct Spanish word for this is cuñada /kuɲaða/. Here’s how you say it:
1. Start with the /ku/ sound. It’s the same sound as in English.
2. Then, pronounce /ɲa/, which should sound like /nya/.
3. Finally, finish with the /aða/, sounding like /ah-dah/
Here you go: cuñada /kuɲaða/. Try it now with other family words.
If you ever want to check how to pronounce new Spanish words, save this Spanish IPA generator.
You should also have a look at the World’s Most Complete Spanish Pronunciation Guide [+Audio] if you need a quick refresher on Spanish pronunciation rules.
Family Matters: Formality in Addressing Loved Ones
Compared to English, distinguishing between formal and informal forms of address requires an extra step in Spanish.
Spanish employs two second-person pronouns—one for formal (usted) and one for informal (tú).
Obviously, they go with different verb forms. (If you don’t remember how it works, see How to Say ‘You’ in Formal and Informal Spanish – Which One Should You Use?)
But how do you determine which one to use when addressing your family members?
It’s fascinating to observe how language has evolved. In the past, it was customary for children to address their parents and grandparents using the formal usted.
However, in contemporary times, the more familiar tú is commonly employed within family circles, although you may still hear the usted form.
Time to Practice – Familiar Phrases and Real-Life Scenarios
To truly master family vocabulary, it’s essential to put your knowledge into practice.
Let’s explore some common phrases and sample conversations that will help you navigate the world of familial bonds in Spanish.
Here are some common phrases examples:
Te quiero, mamá.
I love you, mom.
Feliz cumpleaños, hermano.
Happy Birthday, brother.
Abuelo, ¿cómo estás?
Grandfather, how are you?
¿Dónde vives ahora primo?
Where do you live now, cousin?
Let’s also see some sample conversations.
1. Family Gathering
-Hola mamá. ¿Cómo estás?
-Bien cariño, ¿y tú?
-Bien, mami. Hoy vienen los abuelos, ¿verdad?
-Sí, vienen un poco más tarde, creo que tus tíos llegarán antes.
-Hi mom, how are you?
-I’m fine, darling, and you?
-Good mom. The grandparents are coming today, aren’t they?
-Yes, they will come a bit late. I think your aunt and uncle will be here first.
2. Meeting the In-Laws
-Ana, es mi mamá y mi papá. Y ya conoces a mí hermana, Rosa.
-Encantada de conocerles a todos.
-Bienvenida, está es tu casa.
-Ana, it’s my mom and dad. And you know my sister, Rosa.
-Nice to meet you all.
-Welcome, this is your home.
3. Siblings love
-Hermano, me ayudas con la tarea, No entiendo nada.
-Claro Juan, pero papá es mejor en matemática.
-Ya sé, pero creo que tú lo sabes.
-OK, vamos a ver.
-Brother, help me with my homework. I don’t get anything.
-Of course, Juan, but Dad is better at Math.
-I know, but I think you know that.
-Okay, let’s see.
If you’re into learning Spanish through phrases, don’t miss 25 Most Used Spanish Phrases to Survive Any Conversation, and you must read Talk About Your Family in Spanish: Vocabulary and Conversation Starters.
Another way to see the Spanish family words in context is through movies and shows. If you’re a beginner Spanish learner, try it with Cartoons.
For example, if you watch the Australian show “Bluey” in Spanish, you will learn lots of family words and have fun at the same time. Just see this intro song! And you can watch all the episodes on Disney+.
Start Practicing Family Vocabulary Right Now!
Did you enjoy learning new family words?
Remember that it’s not only about vocabulary but about building connections and understanding the heart of a culture.
Whether discussing your “sister-in-law” in Spanish or sharing a heartfelt conversation with your family, language becomes the bridge to meaningful relationships.
Now that you have a solid foundation in family vocabulary, it’s time to put it into practice. Why not take the next step?
Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy and elevate your language skills to new heights.
We have tailored Spanish programs, and our teachers will be more than happy to talk about your “sister-in-law” in Spanish. ¡Hasta pronto! (See you soon!)
Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these
“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”
– Sharon K, Parent of 3
“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”
– Cindy D, Parent of 3
“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”
– Erica P. Parent of 1
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