Context of "bella"

[novice85]

Hi

If I, as a male, say "hermana bella" to a female which is not my sister, but someone I really like as a friend -- is that problematic in the sense that it can be interpreted as something intimate?

Thanks in advance.

[Rusty]

Why would you address her as 'hermana' if she isn't your sister (hermana de sangre)?

[novice85]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Why would you address her as 'hermana' if she isn't your sister (hermana de sangre)?

Because we are good friends, I take care of her

[Rusty]

Calling her sister is your call, I guess, as long as she understands your meaning.
To me, it sounds as if she is 'like a sister' to you (ser como una hermana).

Anyway, if she is used to being called your sister, adding 'bella' can be simply interpreted that you think she's beautiful, too. How you say it is where the line gets drawn.

[chileno]

Just like here in the US, if you address anybody who is not your brother/sister as such the know what you are referring too, although some people could retort they are not your brother/sister.

[Premium]

Interesting. In Vienna, brother ("Bruder") can also mean "dude", but it's slang.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Originally Posted by Premium

Interesting. In Vienna, brother ("Bruder") can also mean "dude", but it's slang.

It's the same in Spanish, when it substitutes "amigo" (at least in Mexico), but only "hermano", not "hermana".


- ¡Hermano, cuánto tiempo sin verte!
- ¿Cómo has estado, hermano?
- No, hermano, no puedo ir a la fiesta.


Sometimes it's "mi hermano" just for reasons of emphasis.

- Nos vemos otro día, mi hermano.
- Gracias por el café, mi hermano, te debo uno.
- ¡Mi hermano, qué gusto verte!


...and lately, "bróder" or "bro".

- ¿Qué onda, bro, cómo te va?
- ¡Ése, mi bróder! (A slang form for "qué tal.")