Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compadre | /komˈpadɾe/ | masculine |
| broder | /bɾodeɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| tío | /ˈtio/ | masculine |
| pibe | /ˈpibe/ | masculine |
| mano | /ˈmano/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a male comrade, a friend or someone who shares your ideals.
What does it mean word for word?
The term compadre literally refers to the godfather of one's child, though it is used colloquially to mean a close friend or comrade.
Which one should you use?
While compadre can be used as a friendly term, it carries a more traditional or slightly more formal weight than modern slang like broder or tío.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The register of these words varies widely. Compadre is a more traditional or slightly more formal way to address a friend. In contrast, broder is a phonetic adaptation of the English word 'brother' and is used as slang among younger generations and tío is a common colloquialism. Other slang terms include pibe, mano and the Argentine term chabón.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different Spanish-speaking regions have specific preferences. In Spain, tío is a very common colloquial way to address a friend or a man. In Mexico, mano is used as slang for "bro" and is a shortened form of hermano. In Argentina, the word boludo is also often used as a familiar and affectionate way to refer to a friend.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpadɾe/
Did you know?
- The slang term pibe, commonly used in Argentina, is actually an Italian import derived from words like pivello meaning 'young man'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone compadre implies a spiritual or ritual connection, as it traditionally identifies the person who serves as the godfather to your child.
- Depending on the country, using pibe or tío can immediately signal to a listener whether the speaker is from the Río de la Plata region or Spain.
Examples in context
- Tío, ¿cómo decías que te apellidas?Bro, what's your last name again?This sentence shows how to use tío to address someone colloquially.Tatoeba #13882060 by Seael, translation #13882057 by piterkeo
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about a mutual friend at a cafe.
- AlejandroJuan es mi compadre de toda la vida.Juan is my lifelong bro.
- SofíaÉl es un hombre muy leal, Alejandro.He is a very loyal man, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, es un compadre de verdad.Yes, he is a true bro.
- SofíaLo sé, siempre ayuda a sus amigos.I know, he always helps his friends.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bro” translations and entries compadre, tío, pibe, mano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compadre, pibe, tío, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
