How to Say “Comadre” in Spanish

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comadre
/koˈmadɾe/
In Spanish, comadre refers to a godmother or a woman who is the mother of one's godchild.
A comadre is a woman who holds the role of godmother to your child, or she is the mother of your godchild. Beyond this specific religious or ceremonial connection, the term is also used to refer to a close friend.

What does it mean word for word?

The word is derived from the Latin prefix com- (meaning together or with) and mater (meaning mother), so it literally means co-mother.

Which one should you use?

While comadre describes the relationship between a mother and a godmother, it is also used as a direct address for the godmother herself. The masculine equivalent is compadre, which is used for the relationship between a father and a godfather or to address a godfather.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The term comadre is often used in a colloquial way. You can use the diminutive form comadrita to add a friendly or affectionate tone to your address.

How do you pronounce it?

/koˈmadɾe/

When do people say it?

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use comadre as an informal and affectionate term of address between female friends, even if there is no formal godparent relationship between them.

Did you know?

  • The French word for a gossip, commère, shares the same Latin root as comadre because godmothers traditionally gathered to exchange news and secrets.
  • The term is part of a complex system of compadrazgo used historically in Spanish colonies to create strategic political and economic alliances between families.
  • In many rural Hispanic cultures, the title of comadre creates a social contract where the two women are expected to support each other during life's crises.

Examples in context

  • ¡Hola, comadre! ¿Cómo estás?
    Hello, comadre! How are you?
  • Oye, comadrita, ¿vamos a tomar un café?
    Hey, comadrita, shall we go for a coffee?
  • ¡Oye, comadre, vamos al cine hoy!
    Hey, girl/gal, let's go to the movies today!
  • Ella es mi comadre.
    She is my comadre.
  • Gracias por venir, comadre.
    Thank you for coming, comadre.
  • Le envié un regalo a mi comadre.
    I sent a gift to my comadre.

Example conversation

Mateo is talking to Elena about a family gathering.

  1. Mateo

    Elena, ¿vendrá tu comadre a la fiesta?
    Elena, will your comadre come to the party?
  2. Elena

    Sí, ella quiere conocer al bebé.
    Yes, she wants to meet the baby.
  3. Mateo

    Qué bueno, hace tiempo que no la veo.
    That's great, I haven't seen her in a long time.
  4. Elena

    Seguro que se alegrará de verte, Mateo.
    I'm sure she will be happy to see you, Mateo.

Sources

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Phillip Hunter
Phillip HunterHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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