ese
/ˈese/
The Spanish term ese is a slang way to say 'dude' or 'man' in certain contexts.
In informal contexts, ese is used as a slang term to address a friend or associate, functioning similarly to the English words 'dude' or 'man'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ese means 'that' (masculine singular) in standard Spanish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a slang term used in informal situations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of ese as a term of address is characteristic of Chicano English and Mexican-American slang in the United States.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈese/
Did you know?
- The word ese is also the name of the letter 'S' in the Spanish alphabet.
- The word ese traces its roots back to the Latin word ipse, which means 'himself' or 'the very one'.
- In standard Spanish, calling someone ese can actually sound dismissive or rude, as if you are refusing to use their name and are merely pointing to them as 'that guy'.
Examples in context
- ¡Ese Juan es un tipo genial!That Juan is an awesome guy!
Example conversation
Two friends meet on a street corner.
- Javier¿Qué pasó, ese?What happened, man?
- MaríaNada, Javier, solo camino.Nothing, Javier, I'm just walking.
- JavierVamos por unos tacos, ese.Let's go get some tacos, homie.
- MaríaDale, me parece bien.Alright, sounds good to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ese, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ese, CC BY-SA 4.0.
