Can I use the term 형제 to describe both male and female siblings?

Question

I'm talking to someone and they told me that because I'm a girl, it's wrong to use 형제 to describe my siblings. I know that 남매 means siblings (both male and female), but I was sure that 형제 could be used in the same manner (I've seen and heard it used that way). I searched it up and there are contracting answers. One person said that the younger generations don't use 형제 like this, and others say 형제 is only used for males to refer to their male siblings. Other people say 형제 is fine. So am I wrong for using this word? Edit: this person I'm talking to is not a native

Answer 1

You can use 형제 for meaning as sibling because 형제 which means brothers and siblings as well.

For example, if someone ask you 형제 있어요? (Do you have sibling?)

it doesn't mean to do you have brothers? it means do you have siblings (include borthers and sisters)?

Even though you have only sisters you can answer like 네, 언니 있어요. 네, 여동생 있어요. about that question.

저는 형제로 언니가 있어요. 저희는 자매예요. I have a older sister as siblings. we are sisters.

저는 형제가 여동생이 있어요. I have a younger sister as siblings.

That's fine!