Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amigo | /aˈmiɡo/ | masculine |
| amiga | /aˈmiɡa/ | feminine |
| cousín | /kouˈsin/ | intimate, masculine |
| parcero | /paɾˈθeɾo/ /paɾˈseɾo/ |
intimate, masculine |
| asere | /aˈseɾe/ | intimate, masculine |
| acere | /aˈθeɾe/ /aˈseɾe/ |
intimate, masculine |
| chero | /ˈt͡ʃeɾo/ | intimate, masculine |
| acuache | /aˈkwat͡ʃe/ | intimate, masculine |
| cuate | /ˈkwate/ | feminine, intimate, masculine |
The standard word for friend in Spanish is amigo. There are many other terms used to describe a friend, which often vary based on the level of intimacy or the specific region you are in.
Which one should you use?
While amigo is the standard term, other words like parcero or asere are highly informal and should only be used in specific social contexts or certain regions. Some terms are also gendered, while others like cuate can be used for both masculine and feminine contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Several terms are specific to certain areas: parcero is a slang term used primarily in Colombia, asere or acere is used primarily in Cuba, cuate is a colloquial term used primarily in Mexico and panita is used in various Latin American countries, such as Venezuela and Colombia. In Spain, colega is used for buddy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form amigos is used to refer to a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group of friends. The feminine plural form amigas is used to refer to a group consisting only of female friends.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈmiɡo/
Did you know?
- The term panita, used in Venezuela and Colombia, comes from pan, the Spanish word for 'bread'.
- In Mexico, the word cuate refers to a friend but also means 'twin' in a literal sense.
- The standard word amigo is actually a hidden expression of affection, as it is etymologically rooted in the Latin verb amō, which means 'to love'.
Examples in context
- Vi a un amigo.I saw a friend.This sentence shows how to use the masculine form amigo to say you saw a friend.Tatoeba #2059546 by Shishir, translation #1213443 by alec
- Él es su amigo.He's her friend.This sentence shows the use of amigo to describe someone as her friend.Tatoeba #506053 by Shishir, translation #453154 by CH
- Él es tu amigo.He's your friend.This sentence shows the use of amigo to describe someone as your friend.Tatoeba #2035820 by marcelostockle, translation #1780049 by Spamster
- No puedo esperar para presentarte a mis amigos.I can't wait to introduce you to my friends.
- Juan es un gran compañero de trabajo.Juan is a great coworker/friend.
- ¿Qué tal, colega? ¿Quieres salir esta noche?How are you, buddy? Do you want to go out tonight?
- Voy a quedar con mis compis para tomar algo.I'm going to meet up with my friends to have a drink.
- 1113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María introduces Javier to someone at a party.
- MaríaÉl es mi amigo Javier.He is my friend Javier.
- JavierMucho gusto en conocerte.Nice to meet you.
- MaríaJavier es un gran amigo.Javier is a great friend.
- JavierParece una persona muy amable.He seems like a very kind person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “friend” translations and entries amigo, amiga, cousín, parcero, asere, acere, chero, acuache, cuate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amiga, amigo, parcero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
