amigo
/aˈmiɡo/
The Spanish word amigo means friend.
Amigo refers to a person who is a close acquaintance or a friend. It implies a level of friendship that is deeper than a conocido, which is used for someone you know but are not necessarily close to.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the affectionate and playful term cuate to mean friend or carnal to mean brother when referring to a very close friend. The abbreviation compa is also used among friends in Mexico. In Spain, friends may use the informal abbreviation cole for colega. In Peru, the word pata is used colloquially to mean friend or buddy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. The feminine form is amiga. For a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group of friends, use the plural form amigos. If the group consists only of female friends, use the plural form amigas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈmiɡo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone amigo can sometimes feel overly formal or even slightly suspicious if used by a stranger in a market or on the street.
- The word amigo is actually rooted in the verb 'to love'. It evolved from the Latin 'amīcus', which stems from 'amō', meaning 'I love'.
- While amigo is the standard term, some Spanish speakers use the word socio to address a friend, even if they are not actually business partners.
Examples in context
- Es un buen amigo.He is a good friend.
- Ella es mi mejor amiga.She is my best friend.
- Él es mi mejor amigo.He is my best friend.
- Tengo un amigo en Madrid.I have a friend in Madrid.
- Juan es un amigo muy bueno.Juan is a very good friend.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- María¿Conoces a este hombre?Do you know this man?
- JavierSí, es un amigo mío.Yes, he is a friend of mine.
- MaríaEs un amigo muy simpático.He is a very nice friend.
- JavierSí, lo es.Yes, he is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
