carnal
slang, Mexico
Close friends have different names by country. Mexicans say carnal, Colombians say parcero (or parce), Venezuelans and Ecuadorians say pana and compa works in many places.
Meaning: a close friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| carnal | slang, Mexico |
| Compa | casual |
| Parcero | slang, Colombia |
| Pana | slang, Venezuela, Ecuador |
These words are warm and used between people who know each other. They are not used with someone you have just met.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Carnal is also used for a brother in a literal sense in Mexico. Pana and parce are very typical of their countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
Compa is short for compañero or compadre, and works for both men and women.
Did you know?
- Parce is a short form of parcero and is one of the best known Colombian slang words.
Examples in context
- Mi carnal me ayudó con la mudanza.My homie helped me with the move.
- Eres mi pana desde niños.You have been my friend since we were kids.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a game in Medellín.
- Juan¡Qué más, parce!What is up, friend!
- PabloTodo bien, parcero. ¿Y vos?All good, friend. And you?
- JuanBien, vamos a entrar.Fine, let us go in.
