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As a reader recently reminded me in an email, there a names for family relatives that exist in Spanish that we don't have in English.

Concuñado and concuñada had long been on our list — that's the husband of your wife's sister or the wife of your husband's brother. But I confess I was stumped to recall the word for the father-in-law or mother-in-law of one's child — only in the past few months have I had such a relative. As it turns out, that's another con- word — consuegro or consuegra.

A few other words (such as madrina for godmother) have also been added to the relatives list. And in recognition of changing times, compaño and compaña have also been added — that seems to be the most common word used as the equivalent of "partner" for a live-in relationship, although out of context it can have other meanings and is just as vague as "partner" or its synonyms.

Comments

August 28, 2010 at 5:51 am
(1) John :

I live in Spain (Murcia) and would note that in your family relatives list that it is more usual to hear “primo hermano” for first cousin, rather than the listed “primo carnal” (which I have yet to hear).

September 5, 2010 at 8:33 pm
(2) Spanish Guide :

I’ve added that (and the feminine form) to the list. Thanks!

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