What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix com-, meaning 'with' or 'together' (similar to the English 'co-') and padre, meaning 'father'.
Which one should you use?
While compadre refers to a male friend or co-father, the feminine form is comadre, which refers to a close female friend or the relationship between a child's mother and the child's godmother. The plural form is compadres.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, compadre is used informally as a term of endearment for a close male friend. An even more informal, shortened version used in Latin America is compa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The shortened form compa is used among friends in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is compadres.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpadɾe/
When do people say it?
In a religious context, compadre specifically denotes the relationship between a child's father and the child's godfather.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American communities, becoming compadres is a strategic social contract used to build lifelong mutual support and political alliances between families.
- The relationship of compadrazgo creates a kinship bond that is often considered as legally or morally binding as a blood relation.
- The word compadre is a linguistic relative of the English word 'companion', as both derive from the Latin prefix com- meaning 'together'.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola compa! ¿Vamos al partido de fútbol juntos?Hi compa! Shall we go to the soccer game together?
- Él es mi compadre desde la infancia.He has been my close friend since childhood.
- ¡Qué bueno verte, compadre!It's good to see you, my friend!
- El compadre de mi hijo es muy amable.My son's co-godparent is very kind.
Example conversation
Daniel greets a close friend at a party.
- Daniel¡Qué gusto verte, compadre!It's great to see you, my friend!
- ElenaIgualmente, Daniel. ¿Cómo está tu familia?Likewise, Daniel. How is your family?
- DanielTodos están muy bien, gracias.Everyone is doing very well, thank you.
- ElenaMe alegro mucho, compadre.I am very glad, my friend.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compadre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
