amigo
/aˈmiɡo/
The Spanish word for "bub" is amigo.
amigo is an informal term used to address a friend or a peer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some parts of Central America, the word cuate is also used to address a friend, meaning "buddy".
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈmiɡo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word cuate for 'buddy' comes from the Nahuatl word for 'twin'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone amigo can sometimes feel slightly distant or even suspicious if used by a stranger in a street setting.
- Because of its connection to 'love', the word amigo is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'amorous'.
Examples in context
- Gracias por la ayuda, amigo.Thanks for the help, friend.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are meeting at a cafe.
- Elena¡Hola, amigo! Tanto tiempo.Hey, bub! It's been so long.
- DanielHola, Elena. Todo bien.Hi, Elena. Everything is good.
- Elena¿Quieres tomar un café, amigo?Do you want to grab a coffee, bub?
- DanielSí, me parece perfecto.Yes, that sounds perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
