irmã
1. A female sibling; a girl or woman who shares one or both parents with another person
My hermana is two years younger than me.
Minha irmã é dois anos mais jovem do que eu.
2. A female member of a religious community or convent
The hermana at the convent dedicated her life to prayer.
A irmã do convento dedicou sua vida à oração.
3. A term of address used informally among women to show solidarity or friendship
Hey hermana, how are you doing today?
Oi irmã, como você está hoje?
In Latino communities, particularly in the USA and Brazil, 'hermana' is often used beyond just biological sisters as a term of solidarity and sisterhood among women, especially in social justice or religious contexts. The term carries emotional weight and represents connection and mutual support.
Related Idioms & Phrases
hermana de leche (milk sister - fostered together)
hermana política (sister-in-law)
ser hermanas (to be sisters/close friends)
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