qué pasa, hermano
/ˈke ˈpasa eɾˈmano/word by word
The English phrase "yo, bro" can be translated into Spanish as qué pasa, hermano.
This phrase is an informal greeting used between male friends or peers. While hermano literally means brother, in this context it functions as a colloquial term of endearment for a male friend, similar to 'bro' in English. Other ways to express similar sentiments include Ey, amigo for "Hey, bro" or using colega to mean "colleague" or "buddy".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different Spanish-speaking regions have specific ways to express this feeling. In Venezuela, you might use the colloquial greeting ey, pana, where pana is a colloquial term used to refer to a friend or buddy. In Mexico, a common way to ask "How are you doing, bro?" is ¿Cómo andas, compadre?, where compadre is a common way to address a friend or acquaintance in a familiar and warm manner.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke ˈpasa eɾˈmano/
Did you know?
- In Venezuela, the word pana for 'buddy' may actually be a loanword from the English word 'partner'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone compadre can imply a much deeper bond than just 'bro', as it traditionally refers to the godfather of one's child.
- The English word 'germane', meaning relevant or closely related, shares the same Latin root as hermano.
Examples in context
- Oye, colega, ¿vamos a jugar al fútbol esta tarde?Hey, bro, do you want to play soccer this afternoon?
- Ey, amigo, ¿qué tal si salimos esta noche a tomar algo?Hey, bro, how about going out for a drink tonight?
- ¡Qué pasa, hermano!What's up, bro!
- Oye, ¿qué pasa, hermano?Hey, what's up, bro?
- No te preocupes, ¿qué pasa, hermano?Don't worry, what's up, bro?
Example conversation
Two friends meeting at a park.
- DanielHola Daniel, ¿qué pasa, hermano?Hi Daniel, what's up, bro?
- ElenaHola. No pasa nada, solo descanso.Hi. Nothing's up, I'm just resting.
- Daniel¿Quieres jugar al fútbol?Do you want to play soccer?
- ElenaSí, vamos.Yes, let's go.
