hermano
friendly
In Chile friends can call each other hermano for "bro". The very Chilean weón is also used between close friends, but it is vulgar and can be an insult. It is also called Amigo.
Meaning: friendly word for a male friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| hermano | friendly |
| Amigo | neutral |
| Weón | very informal, vulgar |
Hermano and amigo are safe with friends. Weón means "dude" among close friends and "idiot" when it is said to someone you do not know.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use weón with strangers, older people or at work. The tone of voice decides if it is friendly or rude.
Did you know?
- Weón is one of the most common words in informal Chilean speech and can mean "dude" or "jerk" depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Gracias, hermano.Thanks, bro.
- Oye, amigo, ¿vamos al cine?Hey, buddy, shall we go to the movies?
Example conversation
Cristóbal and his friend Pablo meet at a park in Santiago.
- Cristóbal¿Cómo estai, hermano?How are you, bro?
- PabloBien, ¿y tú?Fine, and you?
- CristóbalTodo bien. Vamos a comer algo.All good. Let us get something to eat.
