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 word compadre literally means "co-father", which refers to the relationship between a child's father and the child's godparent.
Which one should you use?
While tío and pibe are primarily used as slang, compadre can be used in a more traditional or respectful sense depending on the social context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Terms like pibe and mano are categorized as slang, while tío is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tío is used colloquially to mean "guy" or "bro". In Mexico, mano is a common slang shortening of hermano used to mean "bro". In Ecuador, you may use pana to address someone in an informal and friendly manner or even the English word brother in informal conversations among younger people.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpadɾe/
Did you know?
- The term pana used in Ecuador and Venezuela is believed by some linguists to derive from the English word 'partner', showing how 'bro' terms often evolve from trade languages.
- The Argentinian slang pibe actually has Italian roots, coming from the Italian words pivello or pischello, meaning a young man.
- Using compadre to a stranger can be a strategic social move to establish immediate trust and warmth, bypassing the formality of standard Spanish introductions.
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 informally.Tatoeba #13882060 by Seael, translation #13882057 by piterkeo
- ¡Hola, hermano! ¿Cómo estás hoy?Hello, bro! How are you today?
- ¿Qué tal, pana? ¿Vamos al partido de fútbol juntos?What's up, bro? Shall we go to the soccer game together?
- Oye, cuate, ¿vamos a tomar algo esta noche?Hey, bro, want to grab something to drink tonight?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are chatting at a cafe.
- MaríaÁndate con cuidado, compadre.Be careful, bro.
- JavierNo te preocupes, todo está bien.Don't worry, everything is fine.
- María¿Seguro que no necesitas ayuda?Are you sure you don't need help?
- JavierNo, ya lo tengo controlado.No, I've already got it under control.
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.
