conocido
/konoˈθido/masculine
The Spanish word for acquaintance is conocido. If unsure, use conocido. Wiktionary also lists amiguete.
Meaning: person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| conocido | /konoˈθido/ /konoˈsido/ |
masculine |
| amiguete | /amiˈɡete/ | colloquial, masculine |
A conocido is a person you know, but the term implies a level of familiarity that is less intimate than an amigo (friend).
What does it mean word for word?
The word conocido comes from the past participle of the verb conocer (to know/to be acquainted with) and literally means 'one who is known'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term amiguete is a colloquial way to refer to an acquaintance, often used with a slightly dismissive or patronizing tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, colega is commonly used to refer to acquaintances or even friends. In regions like Mexico or Colombia, the informal terms Pana or Parcero are used to refer to an acquaintance or buddy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun conocido changes its ending to conocida to refer to a female acquaintance.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoˈθido/
Did you know?
- The word pana used in Venezuela and the Caribbean is believed to derive from the English word 'partner'.
- The suffix -ete in amiguete is a diminutive that, unlike most Spanish diminutives which show affection, is often used to diminish the importance of the person being discussed.
- In Colombia, parcero began as slang among the urban poor and street culture before becoming a widely used term for a buddy or acquaintance.
Examples in context
- Él no es un amigo, es un conocido.He is not a friend, but an acquaintance.This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a friend and an acquaintance using conocido.Tatoeba #1859628 by marcelostockle, translation #324396 by CK
- Para mí él no es ni hermano ni conocido.For me he is neither a brother nor an acquaintance.This sentence shows how to deny a close relationship using conocido.Tatoeba #5781341 by MrMultilingual, translation #1723349 by belgavox
- Ayer me encontré con un conocido al que hacía diez años que no veía.Yesterday I saw an old acquaintance whom I hadn't seen in ten years.This sentence illustrates encountering an old acquaintance using conocido.Tatoeba #816276 by Shishir, translation #2269589 by FeuDRenais2
- Me encontré con un conocido en el supermercado.I ran into an acquaintance at the supermarket.
- Estoy buscando a una persona conocida que trabaja aquí.I'm looking for an acquaintance who works here.
- Tenemos una amistad superficial, apenas nos conocemos.We have a superficial friendship, we barely know each other.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a man they saw at a party.
- Elena¿Conoces a ese hombre de la fiesta?Do you know that man from the party?
- DanielNo es un amigo, es solo un conocido.He is not a friend, he is just an acquaintance.
- ElenaAh, entiendo, ¿de dónde lo conoces?Ah, I see, how do you know him?
- DanielEs un conocido del trabajo de mi padre.He is an acquaintance from my father's work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acquaintance” translations and entries conocido, amiguete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
