mi amigo
standard, male
In Mexican Spanish a male friend is mi amigo and a female friend mi amiga. Mexicans also say mi cuate or mi compa to a close friend.
Meaning: a friendly way to address a friend (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| mi amigo | standard, male |
| mi amiga | standard, female |
| mi cuate | casual, Mexico |
| mi compa | casual, Mexico |
Cuate comes from Nahuatl and is a very Mexican word for a buddy. Compa is short for compadre or compañero.
Which one should you use?
Mi amigo fits every situation. Cuate and compa belong with friends in relaxed settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending shows gender: amigo for a man, amiga for a woman, and amigos for a mixed group.
Did you know?
- The Mexican word cuate comes from Nahuatl coatl, which means "twin", and it came to mean a close friend.
Examples in context
- Él es mi amigo Juan.This is my friend Juan.
- Mi cuate me ayudó con la mudanza.My buddy helped me move.
- Gracias, mi amiga.Thanks, my friend.
Example conversation
Adrián introduces his friend Sergio to Paola at a party in Guadalajara.
- AdriánPaola, él es mi cuate Sergio.Paola, this is my buddy Sergio.
- PaolaMucho gusto, Sergio.Nice to meet you, Sergio.
- SergioEl gusto es mío.The pleasure is mine.
