güey
/ˈɡwei/
The English phrase 'guey' translates to the Spanish term güey.
This is a slang term used to refer to a person, similar to calling someone 'dude', 'man' or 'guy'. Depending on the tone and the context of the conversation, it can function as a friendly term of endearment or as a mild insult meaning 'idiot'.
Which one should you use?
The variation wey carries the same meaning of 'mate' or 'dude' and is used in Mexico and some other Latin American countries.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term güey is highly informal slang. It should only be used with friends or in very casual settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term güey is specific to Mexican Spanish and is not commonly used in other Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple people, the plural form is güeyes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwei/
Did you know?
- The word güey can function as a filler word similar to 'like' in English, appearing multiple times in a single sentence without referring to any specific person.
- The term güey is actually a linguistic evolution of the word buey, which means an 'ox'.
- Despite its popularity among friends, using güey in traditional or formal Mexican circles can be interpreted as a sign of poor education.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué onda, güey?What's up, dude?
- Ese güey es muy gracioso.That guy is very funny.
- No mames, güey.No way, dude.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a person they saw at a party.
- Daniel¿Viste al güey de la fiesta?Did you see that guy from the party?
- LucíaSí, es un güey muy simpático.Yes, he is a very nice guy.
- DanielOye, güey, ¿sabes cómo se llama?Hey, dude, do you know his name?
- LucíaNo, no tengo idea.No, I have no idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry güey, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries güey, CC BY-SA 4.0.
