carnal
slang, Mexico
In Mexican slang a brother is carnal, which can mean a real brother or a very close friend. Mano is a short form of hermano and is also used for a pal.
Meaning: brother or close friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| carnal | slang, Mexico |
| mano | slang, Mexico |
| hermano | standard |
Carnal is warm and respectful and shows deep trust. Mano is relaxed and short, often used in a call like Oye, mano.
Which one should you use?
The standard word is hermano. Use carnal when you want to sound like a Mexican street friend and hermano when you mean a literal sibling in a neutral way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Carnal is strongly associated with northern and central Mexico, though it is understood everywhere in the country.
Did you know?
- The word carnal comes from carne, flesh, and in Mexico it came to mean a brother of the same blood.
Examples in context
- Mi carnal me prestó su coche.My bro lent me his car.
- Oye, mano, ¿me ayudas?Hey bro, will you help me?
- Mi hermano vive en Monterrey.My brother lives in Monterrey.
Example conversation
Pedro asks his older brother Juan for a favor in their garage in San Luis Potosí.
- PedroCarnal, ¿me ayudas con la moto?Bro, will you help me with the motorcycle?
- JuanClaro, hermano. ¿Qué le pasa?Of course, brother. What is wrong with it?
- PedroNo prende desde ayer.It has not started since yesterday.
- JuanVa, déjame revisarla.Okay, let me check it.
