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 one's ideals.
What does it mean word for word?
The term compadre literally refers to the relationship between a child's father and the child's godfather.
Which one should you use?
While compadre can be used as a friendly way to say 'bro', it carries a much more traditional and formal weight of kinship compared to slang terms like broder.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
broder is slang and mano and pibe are also considered informal or slang. Compa is an informal shortening of compañero used to refer to a friend or companion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tío is commonly used to refer to an uncle or someone close to you, like a buddy or bro. In parts of Mexico and Central America, mano is a colloquial shortened form of hermano used to mean bro or brother. In Mexico and some Central American countries, the slang term cuate refers to a buddy or close friend. In Latin America, pana is primarily used to mean a close friend or buddy.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpadɾe/
Did you know?
- The term cuate in Mexico can mean 'bro', but it also shares a root with the word for 'twin'.
- The word pibe used for 'bro' in Argentina and Uruguay is actually a loanword from the Italian pivello meaning 'young man'.
- In some Caribbean regions, pana is used as 'bro', but it also functions as a noun to describe a person who is exceptionally reliable and loyal.
Examples in context
- Tío, ¿cómo decías que te apellidas?Bro, what's your last name again?This sentence shows how tío can be used to address someone informally.Tatoeba #13882060 by Seael, translation #13882057 by piterkeo
- Es un buen compadre.He is a good friend.
- Mi compadre me ayudó con la mudanza.My buddy helped me with the move.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking at a cafe.
- María¿Quién es ese hombre?Who is that man?
- AlejandroEs mi compadre de toda la vida.He is my lifelong buddy.
- MaríaParece una persona muy amable.He seems like a very kind person.
- AlejandroSí, es un gran compadre.Yes, he is a great friend.
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.
