padrino
/paˈdɾino/masculine
In Spanish, the English phrase "best man" is translated as padrino.
The term padrino is used to refer to the primary attendant to the groom. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the plural form padrinos is also used collectively to refer to the entire group of wedding sponsors. To be specific about the wedding role and distinguish it from a religious context, you can use the phrase el padrino de boda.
Meaning: primary attendant to the groom (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word padrino literally means "godfather" and serves both as the term for a religious godfather and a wedding best man.
Which one should you use?
While padrino refers to the best man, the feminine form madrina is used for the maid of honor or a godmother. In some Spanish-speaking countries, the formal term el testigo is also used to mean "the witness" in the context of being the best man.
How does it change in a sentence?
padrino is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈdɾino/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the padrinos are not just honorary attendants but may also be expected to pay for specific wedding gifts or items, such as the rings or the cake.
- While the best man is the padrino, the relationship between the best man and the groom's father is called compadre, which is used as a warm term of friendship across Latin America.
- In many Spanish-speaking traditions, the role of padrino extends far beyond the wedding day, often implying a lifelong spiritual or social mentorship for the couple.
Examples in context
- Él fue el padrino de la boda.He was the best man at the wedding.
- ¿Quién será el padrino de Juan?Who will be Juan's best man?
- Mi hermano es mi padrino.My brother is my best man.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing wedding preparations.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿ya elegiste al padrino?Alejandro, have you chosen the best man yet?
- AlejandroSí, mi mejor amigo será el padrino.Yes, my best friend will be the best man.
- María¡Qué buena noticia para él!That is great news for him!
- AlejandroÉl está muy feliz con la invitación.He is very happy with the invitation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best man” translations and entries padrino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
