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huérfano

orphan

adjective WEHR-fah-noh Rare

Origin: From Latin orphanus, from Greek orphanos (bereaved).

Usage Note

Huérfano functions as both an adjective and a noun: un niño huérfano or simply un huérfano (an orphan). It collocates with de padre (fatherless) or de madre (motherless) when specifying which parent was lost. Note the silent initial h — the word begins with the diphthong hué-, so pronunciation starts with 'w'.

Examples

"El niño huérfano vivía con su abuela."

Natural Translation

The orphaned boy lived with his grandmother.

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