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familia
/faˈmilja/
family
Mi familia es muy unida y nos apoyamos siempre.
My family is very close-knit and we always support each other.
general
A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, typically living together or considered as a unit.
Los hijos deben cuidar a sus padres en la vejez.
Children should take care of their parents in old age.
Ella viene de una familia numerosa.
She comes from a large family.
In Spanish, 'familia' can also refer to close friends or a household unit, not strictly blood relations.
biology/technical
A group of related plants, animals, or things.
La familia de los felinos incluye a los gatos domésticos.
The cat family includes domestic cats.
Common in biological classification.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
False Cognates
'Familia' is a true cognate with English 'family' and does not mean 'familiarity' or 'familiar' (which are 'familiaridad' and 'familiar' in Spanish).
Gold Rule
Definite Article Usage
Use the definite article 'la' with 'familia' when referring to a specific family (e.g., 'la familia López'), but omit it in general statements (e.g., 'Tengo una familia grande').
Word Origin
From Latin *familia* (household, family), derived from *famulus* (servant, slave). The original sense referred to the household and its members, including servants.
Usage Notes
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'familia' often implies a strong emotional bond and duty, extending beyond immediate blood relations to include close friends or godparents (*padrinos*).
Word Breakdown
familia
family
rootDiccionario Español-Inglés