Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mano | /ˈmano/ | masculine |
| colega | /koˈleɡa/ | feminine, masculine |
In Spanish, several terms can be used to say 'mate' depending on the level of slang and the region. While amigo is a versatile term to refer to someone as 'mate', other options include the informal colega for a buddy or acquaintance and the informal pana used in parts of Latin America. If you are in Venezuela, the colloquial term chamo is similar to 'mate' when used among friends.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the level of formality. Mano is heavy slang, whereas colega is a more neutral way to say 'mate' or 'colleague'. Unlike the masculine-only mano, colega can be used for both men and women.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mano is a slang term used to mean 'mate' or 'bro'. Colega is a widely used, informal term for a buddy or mate. For a more versatile and standard option, you can use amigo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people use cuate to refer to a friend or a mate. In parts of Latin America, pana is an informal equivalent to 'mate'. In Venezuela, the colloquial term chamo is used among friends.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmano/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term cuate for 'mate' originates from the Nahuatl word for 'twin'.
- The slang term mano is actually a shortened version of the word hermano, which means 'brother'.
- In Spain, colega can be used ironically to describe someone who is pretending to be your friend but is actually an acquaintance or a rival.
Examples in context
- ¡Gracias, colega!Thanks, mate!This sentence is useful for practicing the use of colega.Tatoeba #7937061 by Seael, translation #6310957 by sundown
- Hola, compañero, ¿podrías por favor revisar este informe?Hello, mate, could you please review this report?
- ¿Qué tal, amigo? ¿Quieres ir a tomar un café?How are you, mate? Do you want to grab a coffee?
- ¡Hola, colega! ¿Vienes a la fiesta esta noche?Hey, mate! Are you coming to the party tonight?
- ¿Qué pasa, pana? ¿Vamos al partido de fútbol juntos?What's up, mate? Shall we go to the soccer match together?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofia meet at a cafe.
- Alejandro¡Hola, mano! ¡Cuánto tiempo!Hey, mate! It's been so long!
- Sofía¡Hola, Alejandro! Yo también te extrañaba.Hi, Alejandro! I missed you too.
- Alejandro¡Mira, mano, tengo una noticia!Look, mate, I have some news!
- Sofía¡Dime! Cuándo pasó?Tell me! When did it happen?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mate” translations and entries mano, colega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colega, mano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
