cuate
casual, Mexico
In Mexico a close friend, a "homie", is a cuate or a carnal. Compa is a shorter, friendly form of compadre and is used the same way.
Meaning: close friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| cuate | casual, Mexico |
| Compa | casual |
| Carnal | slang, Mexico |
Cuate is an everyday Mexican word for a buddy and comes from Nahuatl. Carnal literally means brother and is used for a very close friend.
Which one should you use?
Cuate is the milder word. Carnal is more street slang and shows real closeness. Compa fits a friendly, relaxed tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
These words are strongly Mexican. In other countries people may not know cuate or use it for a friend.
Did you know?
- Cuate comes from the Nahuatl word coatl, which means "snake", and also gave Mexican Spanish the sense of "twin".
Examples in context
- Es mi cuate desde la escuela.He is my buddy from school.
- ¿Qué onda, carnal?What's up, homie?
- Mi compa me ayudó con la mudanza.My buddy helped me move.
Example conversation
Two old friends meet at a tianguis market in Guadalajara.
- Nacho¡Carnal! ¿Cómo estás?Homie! How are you?
- BetoBien, cuate. Tanto tiempo.Good, buddy. It has been a while.
- NachoVamos por unos tacos.Let us go get some tacos.
