mejor amiga
/mexoɾ amiɡa/from spelling rules
The English term 'bestie' can be translated into Spanish as mejor amiga.
This phrase is used to refer to a person's best friend. While 'bestie' in English often functions as a specific slang noun, mejor amiga is a literal description of a best friend. It does not carry the same specific slang connotation unless used in a very specific social media context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mejor (best) and amiga (female friend).
Which one should you use?
The term mejor amiga is a literal description meaning 'best friend', whereas the English 'bestie' often carries a specific slang connotation. Other ways to express a close bond include the informal term amigo del alma, which translates to 'friend of the soul'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term cuate is commonly used to address a close friend, similar to 'buddy' or 'mate'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the best friend is male, or if you are referring to a mixed-gender group of best friends, use the masculine form mejor amigo. To refer to a group of female best friends, use the plural form mejores amigas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mexoɾ amiɡa/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, you might hear the word cuate used for a close friend, which stems from the Nahuatl word for 'twin'.
- In Spain, a very close friend or 'bestie' might be called a compadre or comadre, terms that originally referred to the relationship between parents and godparents.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the distinction between mejor amiga and hermana (sister) can blur, as best friends are frequently referred to as sisters.
Examples in context
- Juan es mi mejor amigo.Juan is my best friend.
- Pedro es mi amigo del alma.Pedro is my best friend.
- Santiago es mi amigo del alma.Santiago is my best friend.
- Laura es mi mejor amiga de la infancia.Laura is my childhood bestie.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a girl named Sofia at a cafe.
- Javier¿Conoces a Sofía?Do you know Sofia?
- ElenaSí, ella es mi mejor amiga.Yes, she is my bestie.
- JavierEs una chica muy divertida.She is a very fun girl.
- ElenaSí, siempre nos la pasamos bien.Yes, we always have a good time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
