yerno

Yerno is the Spanish noun for the husband of one’s child, i.e., the son-in-law. It designates a male relative by marriage within a family. The feminine equivalent is nuera (daughter-in-law). Etymology: the term derives from Latin gener- through Old Spanish; cognates appear in other Romance languages such as Portuguese genro, Italian genero, and French gendre.

Usage and cultural context: In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the yerno is considered part of the extended family, and his relationship with the parents of his spouse can involve expectations of respect, support, and involvement in family matters. Yet practices and norms vary widely by country and individual family, and the yerno’s role is not uniform across societies.

Legal and social aspects: Legally, a yerno has the same status as any spouse of a child. Rights and obligations toward the spouse’s relatives, including grandchildren, depend on jurisdiction. A yerno may acquire rights to inheritance, guardianship, or adoption only through formal legal processes. In-laws do not automatically gain authority over their grandchildren or their spouse.