Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compañero | /kompaˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
| cuate | /ˈkwate/ | masculine |
| amiguete | /amiˈɡete/ | masculine |
| parcero | /paɾˈθeɾo/ /paɾˈseɾo/ |
masculine |
| cousín | /kouˈsin/ | Nicaragua, masculine |
| asere | /aˈseɾe/ | Cuba, masculine |
| acere | /aˈθeɾe/ /aˈseɾe/ |
masculine |
| amigui | /aˈmiɡi/ | feminine, masculine |
| pata | /ˈpata/ | colloquial, feminine, masculine |
| chero | /ˈt͡ʃeɾo/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a friend or casual acquaintance.
Which one should you use?
While many forms mean buddy, some carry different tones. For example, amiguete uses a suffix that can add a dismissive or slightly derogatory tone, implying an insignificant 'little friend'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
colega is often used among friends to refer to each other as buddies or pals. For a more formal or specific context, such as military or political settings, one might use camarada. In very informal or slang contexts, you might encounter compadre for a close friend or the English loanword 'bro' among younger generations. For a 'cutesy' or highly informal digital style, amigui is used. The term asere is a common colloquialism, and llave is an informal term used in parts of Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have their own specific ways to say buddy. In Mexico, cuate is common slang for a close friend and cousín is used in Nicaragua. In Cuba, asere is a frequent colloquialism. In the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba, llave is an informal term. Additionally, pana is a popular term in countries like Venezuela and Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term compañero is masculine. To refer to a female buddy using this root, you change the ending to compañera. Some terms like amigui and pata can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaˈɲeɾo/
When do people say it?
In many parts of Latin America, including Mexico, compadre is used as a slang term to refer to a close friend.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Felicidades, compañero.Congratulations, buddy.This sentence shows how to use compañero as a direct address to congratulate someone.Tatoeba #6857992 by arh, translation #7745489 by shekitten
- Es un viejo compañero de fatigas, hemos pasado juntos por muchas cosas.He's an old buddy. We've been through thick and thin together.This sentence illustrates using compañero to describe someone you have shared many life experiences with.Tatoeba #3691531 by Shishir, translation #10056890 by DJ_Saidez
- Hola, amigoHi buddy
- Buen trabajo, compañeroGood job, buddy
- ¿Qué tal, colega?What's up, buddy?
- Ey, ¿qué pasa, bro?Hey, what's up, bro?
- ¡Ey colega, nos vemos en la fiesta!Hey buddy, see you at the party!
- Pana, ¿me puedes prestar tu coche?Buddy, can you lend me your car?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are chatting during a work break.
- María¿Quieres ir a comer, compañero?Do you want to go eat, buddy?
- JavierSí, me vendría bien un descanso.Yes, a break would be good for me.
- María¿A dónde quieres ir hoy?Where do you want to go today?
- JavierCualquier lugar está bien para mí.Any place is fine with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buddy” translations and entries compañero, cuate, amiguete, parcero, cousín, asere, acere, amigui, pata, chero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amiguete, compañero, cuate, parcero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
