amigo leal
/amiɡo leal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "loyal friend" is translated into Spanish as amigo leal.
The phrase refers to a person who is a constant and faithful companion.
Which one should you use?
While amigo leal is used for loyalty, amigo fiel is a very common alternative that emphasizes faithfulness or reliability.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term cuate is used among close friends to imply a strong bond and friendship.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the friend is female, use the feminine form amiga leal. The plural form for a group of male or mixed-gender loyal friends is amigos leales. The plural form for a group of female loyal friends is amigas leales.
How do you pronounce it?
/amiɡo leal/
Did you know?
- The Mexican term cuate for a close friend comes from the Nahuatl word for 'twin'. It implies a bond so strong that the friend is like a second version of oneself.
- Spanish has a specific term compadrazgo that elevates a 'loyal friend' to a family member. This occurs when a friend becomes a godparent to a child, creating a formal, lifelong social bond.
- The word amigo is derived from the Latin word amō, which means 'to love'. This makes the term for 'friend' fundamentally rooted in the concept of love.
Examples in context
- Quiero presentarles a mi amigo leal, Juan.I want to introduce you to my loyal friend, Juan.
- Él es un amigo leal.He is a loyal friend.
- Ella es una amiga leal.She is a loyal friend.
- Juan es un amigo leal.Juan is a loyal friend.
- Necesito un amigo leal en este momento.I need a loyal friend right now.
- Él siempre ha sido un amigo leal.He has always been a loyal friend.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- AlejandroJuan siempre me apoya en todo.Juan always supports me in everything.
- MaríaSí, él es un amigo leal.Yes, he is a loyal friend.
- AlejandroEs difícil encontrar personas así hoy.It is hard to find people like that today.
- MaríaTienes mucha suerte de conocerlo.You are very lucky to know him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amigo, leal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
