Spanish Phrase
Sí, tengo un hermano mayor.
Meaning
This phrase is used to confirm that you have a male sibling who is older than you. It uses the first-person singular form of the verb 'tener' (to have) followed by the noun 'hermano' and the comparative adjective 'mayor'.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks if you have siblings or specifically if you have an older brother. It is a standard response in casual introductions or when sharing personal background information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sítengounhermanomayor
Tengo
The verb 'tener' is irregular in the 'yo' form. It is used to express possession and family relationships.
Mayor
In Spanish, 'mayor' functions as 'older' when referring to people. It follows the noun 'hermano'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes hermanos?
Do you have siblings?
Sí, tengo un hermano mayor.
Yes, I have an older brother.
✕Common Mistakes
Sí, tengo uno hermano mayor.
The indefinite article 'uno' must be shortened to 'un' before a masculine singular noun.
Sí, soy un hermano mayor.
In Spanish, you use 'tener' to state that you have a sibling; 'soy' would mean 'I am an older brother.'
↔Alternatives
Tengo un hermano mayor.
I have an older brother.
Tengo un hermano que es más grande que yo.
I have a brother who is bigger/older than me.
Cultural Tip
Family is a cornerstone of social life in Spanish-speaking cultures. It is very common for people to ask about your siblings early in a conversation, and specifying birth order (mayor/menor) is standard practice.