compas
/kompas/from spelling rules
The English phrase homies can be translated into Spanish as compas.
What does it mean word for word?
compas is a shortened form of compañeros, which means companions or partners.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
compas is highly informal and is used among close friends or peers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the slang term cuates is a popular way to refer to close friends or homies. In some Latin American countries, such as Venezuela and Colombia, panas is used to refer to close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the slang term is compa.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompas/
Did you know?
- The formal root compañero literally means 'someone with whom you share bread', from the Latin 'com' meaning 'with' and 'panis' meaning 'bread'.
- The term pana in Venezuela and Colombia originally comes from the word for 'bread', specifically 'pan', implying someone who is 'essential' or 'nourishing' to your life.
- In certain contexts, compañero can have a strong political connotation, referring to a comrade in a labor union or political party rather than a casual friend.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, amigotes! ¿Vamos a jugar al fútbol?Hey, buddies! Shall we play soccer?
- ¡Qué onda, cuates? ¿Salimos esta noche?What's up, guys? Are we going out tonight?
- Me encontré con mis panas en el parque.I ran into my buddies at the park.
- Mis compas vienen a la fiesta.My homies are coming to the party.
- Saluda a mis compas de siempre.Say hello to my old homies.
- Son mis compas desde la infancia.They are my homies from childhood.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about who is coming to a small gathering.
- Daniel¿Vienen tus compas hoy?Are your homies coming today?
- LucíaSí, mis compas llegarán pronto.Yes, my homies will arrive soon.
- DanielQué bien, me caen muy bien.That's great, I like them a lot.
- LucíaA ellos también les caes bien.They like you too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
