Does hijasta mean daughter in law and step-daughter?

Question

I'm confused. I thought that the suffiz -astra meant step (like stepmother). But the word for daughter in law is hijastra. Could someone help me understand what is going on here?

thanks!

Daughter in law is nuera not hijastra - 000a35ff, Apr 13, 2016

Could you please add your levels of English and Spanish. It really helps us to answer your questions at a level that you will understand. - Daniela2041, Apr 13, 2016

Ciela you are right. The astra ending does mean step. So Hijastra is step-daughter. Daughter-in-law is nuera. - happyquilter, Apr 14, 2016

Answer 1

As Astotxua has stated, it is "nuera" that is "daughter in law."

The "-astro/a" suffix (not suffiz) is the part that means "step-something" in English.

Madrastra, padrastro, hermanastro, hermanastra, are examples.