What does it mean word for word?
The term amigos cercanos literally translates to "close friends". The word cercanos is the plural form of cercano, which means "near" or "close" in terms of both physical and metaphorical distance.
Which one should you use?
If you want to imply an even deeper, more private level of friendship than what is suggested by amigos cercanos, you can use amigos íntimos. Additionally, while amigos cercanos means close friends, the phrase mejores amigos is the standard way to say "best friends".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations exist for this concept. In Mexico, the term Cuates is used to refer to close friends, whereas in Venezuela and Colombia, the word Pana is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on gender and number. If you are referring to a single close friend who is male, use the singular form amigo cercano. If the close friends are all female, you must use the feminine plural form amigas cercanas.
How do you pronounce it?
/amiɡos θeɾkanos/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word pana comes from the English word 'partner', which was adapted by Caribbean Spanish speakers to describe a loyal close friend.
- In Spain, a close friend might be called a tío (literally 'uncle'), regardless of whether any actual family relationship exists.
- The word amigo can be used ironically in Spanish to address a complete stranger, often in a confrontational or condescending way, which is the opposite of its meaning in amigos cercanos.
Examples in context
- Solíamos ser amigos cercanos.We used to be close friends.This sentence is useful for expressing a past state of being amigos cercanos.Tatoeba #2365609 by marcelostockle, translation #2358272 by megamanenm
- ¿Cuántos amigos cercanos tienes?How many close friends do you have?This sentence is useful for asking about the number of amigos cercanos someone has.Tatoeba #4317680 by pchamorro, translation #1354 by al_ex_an_der
- Tom tiene apenas amigos cercanos.Tom has hardly any close friends.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has very few amigos cercanos.Tatoeba #5217066 by Elyte, translation #5216773 by CK
- Mis amigos cercanos me apoyaron en todo momentoMy close friends supported me at all times
- Solamente comparto mis problemas más personales con mis amistades íntimasI only share my most personal problems with my close friends
- Mis mejores amigos siempre están ahí para míMy best friends are always there for me
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their social circle at a cafe.
- DanielSofía, ¿tienes muchos amigos cercanos?Sofía, do you have many close friends?
- SofíaNo, pero tengo tres amigos cercanos muy leales.No, but I have three very loyal close friends.
- DanielEso es suficiente para mí.That is enough for me.
- SofíaSí, la calidad es mejor que la cantidad.Yes, quality is better than quantity.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
