What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of qué pasa, which means 'what is happening' or 'what's up' and compa, a shortened form of compadre, meaning 'buddy' or 'close friend'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase qué pasa, compa is highly informal and should only be used with close friends or peers. For a slightly different informal greeting, you can use Hola, colega, which means 'Hello, buddy/pal'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have specific ways to express similar sentiments. In Mexico, it is popular to say ¿Qué pasa, carnal?, where carnal is a slang term for 'brother' or 'homie'. In Peru, you can say ¿Qué haces, pata? to mean 'What are you doing, buddy?', using the colloquial term pata for friend. You may also encounter Qué tal, compa to mean 'What's up, friend', where compa is a short form of compañero/a.
Did you know?
- In Peru, the word pata used for 'homie' literally means 'leg' or 'foot'.
- In Mexico, the term carnal is used for a very close friend because it shares a root with carne, meaning 'flesh'.
- While compa is used as a friendly 'buddy' in many places, its full form compadre historically refers to a formal godparent relationship in a religious context.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué pasa, compa! ¿Todo bien?Wassup homie! Everything good?
- Qué pasa, compa, ¿cómo va todo?Wassup homie, how is everything going?
- ¡Ey! ¿Qué pasa, compa?Hey! Wassup homie?
Example conversation
Two friends run into each other at a local park.
- María¡Qué pasa, compa!Wassup homie!
- JavierNada especial, ¿y tú?Nothing special, and you?
- MaríaTodo bien, solo disfrutando el día.All good, just enjoying the day.
- JavierMe alegro por ti, María.I'm happy for you, María.
