A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "They're like family" in Spanish
Expresses deep connection and belonging with people who aren't blood relatives.
Son como de la familia.
sohn KOH-moh deh lah fah-MEE-lee-ahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you feel a strong bond with friends, colleagues, or neighbors, treating them with the same care and affection as your own family. It's perfect for describing a close-knit group where everyone looks out for each other.
Alternatives
- Son mi familia.Stronger, implies they *are* family, not just *like* family.
- Son como hermanos.More specific, emphasizes sibling-like closeness.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'como' with 'como si'
'Como si' means 'as if', so 'Son como si de la familia' would mean 'They are as if from the family', which is awkward.
Omitting 'de'
Leaving out 'de' makes it 'Son como la familia', which is understandable but less natural than including 'de la familia'.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American cultures, the concept of family often extends beyond blood ties to include very close friends and community members, making this phrase particularly resonant.
Frequently asked
When do I use 'como de la familia' vs 'mi familia'?
Use 'como de la familia' when you feel a deep, familial bond but they aren't literally your family. Use 'mi familia' when you are referring to your actual family members.
Is 'Son como de la familia' casual or formal?
This phrase is generally neutral and works in most everyday situations. It's warm and friendly without being overly informal.
Can I use this for pets?
While you might feel that way, this phrase is typically used for people. For pets, you might say 'Mi mascota es como un miembro de la familia' (My pet is like a family member).
