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How to Say “Friend” in Spanish in 45 Ways

Did you know that there are over 100+ ways to say friend in Spanish? 

That’s a whole lot of compadres (good friends)!

Let’s take a quick look at my favorite 45 Spanish slang words to get you started on referring to your amigos (friends), from A to Z.

3. Acere / Asere

5. bro / bróder, 6. cabrón / cabro, 7. cachanchán / canchanchán, 8. camarada, 11. chamo / chamito, 14. chochera / choche, 17. compadre, 18. compañero / compa / compi, 19. compinche, 20. cuaderno, 23. cúmbila, 31. mano / manito, 34. panadería, 35. parcero / parce, 42. tronco / tron, 43. valedor / vale, and one more thing….

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Where it’s used: Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala

Although  alero literally means roof eaves, it’s most commonly used in these three countries to refer to a buddy or good friend, depending on the context.

Rodolfo es un buen alero. (Rodolfo is a good friend.)

Where it’s used: Latin America

Similar to amigo (friend), the word amigazo  is also an informal reference to a buddy, pal or close friend.

However, you wouldn’t want to use this word in Chile, where it normally means bad company.

Antonio, sos un amigazo. (Antonio, you’re a great friend.)

Where it’s used: Cuba

Originating from the African-Efik language, this is the most popular word used in Cuba to refer to a friend or buddy. It’s also used by men to refer to other men.

Asere, ¿qué bolá? (What’s up, buddy?)

Where it’s used: Argentina

Even though the word  boludo  (idiot) or (jerk) and it’s shorter forms, bolú/bolu, can have different meanings , it’s quite often used when you want to get your friend’s attention.

It should also be noted that this word can have negative connotations and should only be used in context with your closest friends.

¡Qué quilombo, boludo! (What a mess, dude!)

American English has had a significant influence on the way people speak Spanish slang in Latin America.

Great examples are the words  bro/ bróder (bro), which we’ve accepted as our own.

¿Qué pasó, bróder? (What’s up, bro?)

Where it’s used: Chile , Costa Rica , Mexico , Spain, Honduras, Nicaragua , Guatemala and El Salvador

The word  cabrón (bastard) is wildly popular among Spanish learners because it’s harshly used to describe an as*hole or bastard.

Though, in several Spanish-speaking countries, it’s absolutely normal to refer to this word when referencing your buddy.

The short form cabro (goat) is mainly used in Chile and Costa Rica.

¿Qué pasa, cabrón? ¿Cómo te trata la vida? (What’s up, buddy? How’s life treating you?)

Where it’s used: The Dominican Republic

The word  cachanchán roughly translates to toady or subordinate in Spanish, and that’s exactly how they use it in Cuba .

However, if you go to the Dominican Republic, a  cachanchán  (or, rather,  canchanchán , as they pronounce it) refers to a good friend.

Ahí viene mi canchanchán, Peralta. (Here comes my good friend, Peralta.)

Where it’s used: Latin America and Spain

The word  camarada (comrade) can be used practically in every Spanish-speaking country to refer to your friends and pals informally.

¿Qué hubo, camarada? (What’s up, pal?)

Where it’s used: Argentina, Mexico , Venezuela , Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua

Carnal  comes from the word  carne  (meat, flesh), and it’s used to refer to very close friends.

The word  carnal  can also be used with family members (the expression “flesh of my flesh” comes to mind), so a  carnal  is someone you’d consider family.

Sos mi carnal, Mario. (You’re family, Mario.)

Where it’s used: Peru

There are two main theories as to where the word  causa, with the casual meaning of friend or buddy, comes from.

On the one hand,  causa formally translates to lawsuit, which would explain why in some parts of Peru this word also refers to thieves.

On the other hand, some people think it comes from the English word cousin.

Whatever the case,  causa  is very commonly used to refer to your buddy or friend, so make sure you use it if you ever meet a Peruvian!

¡Habla, causa! (Hi there, buddy!)

Where it’s used: Venezuela

Venezuelans use  chamo  when talking about children and teenagers, but they also use this word to refer to their buddies.

¿Qué hubo, chamo? (What’s up, buddy?)

There are very few words more Argentinian than the word che .

You can use it to refer to your closest friends, your buddies and your colleagues.

This multipurpose word is so Argentinian that it means Argentinian person in countries such as Mexico and Chile.

Hey, che. ¿Qué hacés acá? (Hey, buddy. What are you doing here?)

Where it’s used: El Salvador and Honduras

Chero  comes from the French word cher  (dear, beloved), and it’s used to refer to your close friends.

Siempre la paso bien con mis cheros. (I always have fun with my friends.)

The words Chochera (chauffeur or witchcraft) , and its short form  choche (car or driver), as you can see, can have two very different meanings.

How that word came to mean friend in Peruvian Spanish is something I can’t understand, but it does.

Pedrito es mi choche desde que teníamos seis años. (Pedrito has been my friend since we were six.) 

There’s not much information available about this word, but all sources agree that it means partner/associate and it’s used on the island to refer to your friends.

¿Qué bolá, cobio? (How are you doing, friend?)

Where it’s used: Spain

By definition, a  colega  is a classmate or colleague, but it’s informally used to refer to your buddy.

Vamos a tomarnos una copas con mi colega, Paco. (Let’s go have some drinks with my buddy, Paco.)

Where it’s used: Latin America (very common in Mexico)

Compadre describes the relationship between someone’s father and godfather (a literal translation from Latin could be co-father.)

However, native Mexican speakers use this word to refer to their best mates or good friends.

¿Qué onda, compadre? ¿Por qué tan triste? (What’s up, mate? Why so sad?)

Where it’s used: Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Argentina, Costa Rica and Honduras

Every native Spanish speaker will understand the word  compañero  or any of its short forms.

It officially translates to (partner or companion), but it can also be used to refer to your pals/buddies, as well.

If you’re in Spain though, avoid using the longer and shorter forms, since they can be taken out of context in some regions.

Mi cõmpanero Luis está por llegar. (My buddy Luis is about to arrive.)

The word  compinche translates, and is used informally, to refer to your pals or buddies.

¿Qué pasó, compinche? (What’s up, buddy?)

Where it’s used: Mexico

If someone from Mexico tells you they’re meeting their  cuadernos (notebooks) in the evening, don’t think they’ve gone crazy. C uaderno  is actually a very popular way to refer to a friend in the country.

Juan y Marco son mis cuadernos. (Juan and Marco are my friends.)

Where it’s used: Colombia

Many people in the world have  cuadros (tables), but only Colombians will call their bros, buddies and friends the same word.

¿Quiubo, cuadro? (What’s up, bro?)

Where it’s used: Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico , Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia and Venezuela

Cuate quite literally translates to buddy or dude.

However, it can also be used to refer to people you don’t know or are just acquaintances.

Vendrá con un cuate mañana. (He’ll come with a buddy tomorrow.)

Cúmbila is another Cuban word of African origin.

It comes from the term camba (friend), and it’s used to refer to your buddies.

Gracias, cúmbila. (Thanks, buddy.)

Where it’s used: Panama

The word fren  is almost exclusively used in Panama , and it means—you’ve guessed it—friend.

Es mi fren desde 2015. (She’s been my friend since 2015.)

Gomía  is an anagram that results from transposing the word amigo .

Not surprisingly, it’s another word you can use casually to refer to your friends.

¡Ese es mi gomía! (That’s my man!)

Thanks to Mexican TV shows and telenovelas , every Spanish speaker knows the word  güey , and now you do, too!

It originally comes from the word  buey (ox), so it’s no surprise it can also be used with the meaning of silly or clumsy.

Additionally, it can be used to refer to anyone you don’t know very well (similar to the English word dude) and even to a friend, depending on the context.

¡Órale, güey! (Come on, dude!)

Where it’s used: Chile and Peru (less frequently in Venezuela)

The word huevón  and all its different forms— weón/weon/won/güevón/güebón— literally translates to big egg.

Informally, it can be used to describe someone who is lazy, a moron or stupid, but it can also be used jokingly to refer to your buddies. It also has a meaning very close to the English dude or guy.

Hola, huevón. ¿Cómo estái? (Hey, buddy. How are you?)

Where it’s used: Latin América and Spain

The word íntimo  is an adjective that means intimate/close.

Íntimo  normally appears in the collocation amigo íntimo (close friend).

This collocation is often reduced to just the adjective, which is used to refer to your closest friends.

Antonio es mi íntimo, mi hermano. (Antonio is my close friend, my brother.)

Where it’s used: Colombia, Ecuador , Venezuela

Llave quite literally translates to key in Spanish. Yes, the thing you use to open doors.

It’s said that if someone calls you their llave , they’ve opened themselves to you and accepted you as their friend.

Todo bien, mi llave. (No problem, my friend.)

Where it’s used: Costa Rica

The word mae  is to Costa Rica as güey is to Mexico.

In other words, you can use  mae  to refer to friends, buddies and people you don’t even know. Context is key!

¿Cómo estás, mae? (How you doin’, bud?)

The words mano (hand) and  manito (little hand) are the shortened forms of the word hermano (brother).

They’re used to casually and informally describe a friend or bro.

Even though you’ll hear these words all throughout Latin America, the forms mano  and  manito  are especially common in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Panama.

¿Qué hubo, manito? (What’s up, bro?)

Where it’s used: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and some parts of Argentina

By definition, this word means year.

However, it’s also used to define a close friend in some countries, similar to the context and usage of the word bróder (bro).

¿Qué tal, ñaño? (What’s up, bro?)

Where it’s used: Ecuador, Puerto Rico , Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua

There are several theories about the origin of the word  pana (corduroy), but the one I like the most is that it comes from the indigenous word panaca (family).

For this reason, the word  pana  is normally only used with your deepest and closest soul friends.

Juanito, sos mi pana del alma. (Juanito, you’re my soul mate.) 

Where it’ s used: Venezuela

In Venezuela, a  panadería (bakery) isn’t only a place where you can buy bread and pastries. It’s also a place where you can meet your friends for a coffee or a piece of cake.

Because of this, it started to become a slang term for friends/friendship in the ’50s, and it’s kept its meaning until today.

¡Gracias a toda mi panadería! (Thanks to all my friends!)

Where it’s used: Colombia and Ecuador

The words  parcero (landlord) and  parce come from the Portuguese word parceiro  (partner).

It’s normally used to refer to your friends and acquaintances, but it can also be used to talk about people from the same region/country (compatriot/fellow countryman).

¿Quiubo, parce? (What’s up, friend?) 

Where it’s used: Bolivia, Cuba, Peru and Chile

The definition of a pata oddly translates to leg and paw, but in these four countries, it refers to a close friend or a buddy, depending on the context.

Carola es mi pata del alma. (Carola is my best friend/my soul mate).

You probably know  pez  means fish in Spanish.

However, in Colombia, people use this word to refer to their friends and buddies informally (especially if they don’t know their name).

¿Todo bien, mi pez? (Is everything alright, buddy?)

Where it’s used: Uruguay (less frequently in Argentina and Paraguay)

Even though this word can be used in some countries to refer to kids, people in Uruguay also use it to refer to their friends.

Vamos a festejar con mi pibes. (Let’s celebrate with my friends.)

Where it’s used: Mexico, Venezuela (West), the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica 

Primo  means cousin in Spanish. By calling someone your primo , you’re letting them know they’re your dearest friend, and part of your family.

¿Cómo ‘tá la cosa, primo? (How’s everything going, dear friend?)

Where it’s used: Peru and Colombia (less frequently in Cuba, Ecuador and Argentina)

The word  socio  refers to a partner or business associate, but it’s also used to refer to your close friends in countries like Peru and Colombia.

Hola, socio. ¿Cómo estás? (Hey, friend. How are you?)

Tío translates to (uncle) in Spanish , but if you go to Spain, you’ll mainly hear this word when people are referring to their mates.

It can also be used to refer to a guy in general, just like Mexico’s güey .

Mi tío no sabe de lo que habla. (My mate doesn’t know what he’s talking about.)

A  tronco  is a tree trunk and tron is a log. But in Spain, it refers to a very good friend.

It’s often incorrectly associated with lower-class people, but all youngsters use it.

It can also be used to refer to your boyfriend/girlfriend, but some people may tell you it sounds a bit distasteful, so avoid using it in this context if you can.

Mi tronca está de camino. (My good friend is on her way.)

Where it’s used: Colombia and Venezuela 

Simply put, a  valedor  is a person that is worthy.

It’s possible that because of this reason, a friend is referred to as a valedor(es) or  vale(s) in these two countries.

Mi valedor, ¿cómo estás? (My friend, how are you?)

Where it’s used: Costa Rica, Argentina 

The word  viejo (old), can also be an informal way to refer to someone’s dad.

It can also mean bro or friend in Costa Rica and some parts of Argentina. But practically every native Spanish speaker will understand you’re referring to a friend if you use it anywhere else.

Viejo, no hables paja. (Bro, don’t talk nonsense.)

Where it’s used: Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Peru, Chile and Bolivia

The word  yunta is translated into English as yoke and/or team, but in South America it’s used to refer to a trusted friend.

Ana es mi yunta. (Ana is my trusted friend.)

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They’re not used in every Spanish-speaking country, but now you know how to refer to all your amigos (friends) based on the country you have your heart after.

Stay curious, cheros (friends), and as always, happy Spanish learning!

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Who doesn’t love to hang out with friends and share great moments together? Friendship gives life a layer of fun, kindness, and love that just makes it all better, so why not surprise your buddies with a fun variety of words for friend  in Spanish?

Just like English, we have a lot of options for how to say friend  in Spanish, each with its own nuance and charm. So in today’s post, we’ll delve into the realm of friendships and learn over 20 different ways to refer to our friends in Spanish!

We’ll start with the most common words, including how to refer to our best friend  in Spanish. Then we’ll quickly get into more informal and regional vocab, learning plenty of words for friend  in Spanish slang .

At the end we have a bonus section on other common relationships that aren’t quite friendships, but that are still important to know.

And since most of this post covers slang words for friend  in Spanish, we’ll leave you with a bunch of links to our popular posts on regional slang  across the Spanish-speaking world .

Now let’s go, friends!

Spanish words for Friend

Now it’s time for the real fun! Spanish is a language spoken in over 20 countries, so the variety of slang words should come as no surprise. Let’s take a look at the most popular ways to say friend  in Spanish slang.

Amigo / Amiga

This is the most common way to say friend  in Spanish. It transcends borders and is recognized in all Spanish-speaking countries. Amigo  is masculine, while amiga is feminine, the plural versions are amigos  for all-male or mixed groups, and amigas  for female-only friends.

Mejor amigo / Mejor amiga

When you call someone your mejor  amigo or mejor  amiga , you are saying they are your best friend  in Spanish. So you’re not just acknowledging them as a friend: you’re bestowing upon them a special status! And if your mejor amiga  becomes your girlfriend or your wife, you’ll surely want to know how to best express how much you like or love her with te quiero vs te amo .

Hermano / Hermana

Hermano  means brother  in Spanish, while hermana  means sister . When you call someone hermano  or hermana in Spanish, you’re saying that they are more than a friend: they are part of your chosen family. You’re implying that your bond is tight, and expressing a deep and enduring friendship.

Pana, Panita

In some Latin American regions, such as Venezuela and Ecuador, pana  or panita  are affectionate terms used to refer to a close friend  in Spanish. Panita  is the diminutive, which adds even more affection to the term.

Socio / Socia

Socio is usually translated as business partner . However, in Spanish slang, it’s also a way to call someone a close friend . Calling a friend your socio  or socia  is especially suitable if you’ve shared a lot together.

Brother, Bróder, Bro

Taken straight from English, we have brother , its Spanish version bróder , and its short version bro . Just like hermano , you can use brother  and its variations to refer to someone you have a strong friendship with.

Asere  is a colloquial expression in Cuba used to refer to a friend  or companion . It’s a friendly and affectionate way to refer to friends in Spanish.

The term carnal has multiple dictionary meanings, one of which pertains to the flesh . In Mexico, it is informally employed as a synonym for a close friend , someone as intimate and amicable as a sibling.

In Mexico, the word raza  is commonly used as a colloquial term to refer to one’s group or community of friends or people who share a common background, culture, or heritage. It’s often used in an inclusive and friendly manner to describe a close-knit group of friends  or a community of like-minded individuals. It can be loosely translated into English as crew , gang , or buddies , depending on the context.

Compadre / Comadre

In Spanish-speaking regions with a Catholic heritage, compadre  and comadre  are used used to refer to the godparents of a child in a baptism. Over time, these terms were used outside of the religious aspect and evolved to also mean close and trusted friends , especially among families.

Compinche  is a word that emphasizes complicity and friendship. It’s someone with whom you share secrets and adventures, like a sidekick .

Compa, Compi

Compa  or compi  are shortened and affectionate forms of saying compañero  or compañera , which translate as a generic form of companion . These shortened terms denote a close and supportive relationship.

Cuate  is a word commonly used in Mexico to refer to a close friend . It implies a solid and trustworthy friendship. This word comes from the Náhuatl word “coatl,” meaning snake  or twin . The idea of being the same or equal is what gave way to this word becoming a synonym for friend in Spanish.

In Peru, the word pata  is commonly used as a colloquial term to refer to a friend  or buddy . It’s a friendly and informal way to address or refer to someone you are on good terms with or have a close relationship with. Depending on the context and the relationship between individuals, it can be used to denote camaraderie and friendship. It’s similar in usage to terms like mate  or buddy  in English.

Ñaño / Ñaña

This word comes from the Quechua word “ñaña” which means her sister . Adopted into the Spanish language, it now has masculine, feminine, and plural forms. Today it is used in Ecuadorian speech to refer to siblings , as well as very close friends .

Although the origin of this word is not fully established, causa  is a popular way of saying friend  in Spanish in Peru. Coincidentally, one of the most famous dishes of Peruvian gastronomy bears the same name.

Literally speaking, yunta  means yoke , which is a device that joins a pair of animals such as mules or oxen to perform a job, such as plowing. Due to the closeness implied by the term, it has also been taken to describe those inseparable friends  that go everywhere together.

Mano, Manito / Mana, Manita

Mano  is the short form of hermano , so it’s equivalent to bro  in Spanish. We also have the same for sister, shortening hermana  to mana  to refer to a female friend as your sistah  in Spanish. It is also very common to use the diminutive forms manito  and manita  to make these even more affectionate.

Parcero / Parcera, Parce

Parcero  or parcera  are informal terms used in Colombia to refer to close friends . These words convey friendship and camaraderie. The shortened version, parce , can be used to refer to both men and women.

Although tío  and tía  literally mean uncle  and aunt  in English, here it’s totally unrelated to family ties. In Spain, tío  or tía  is often used similarly to guy  in English, used to get a friend’s attention. However, it can also be used with very trustworthy people to mean friend  in Spanish.

Colega  commonly refers to a work colleague , but it can also be used informally to refer to friends  with whom you share interests and activities. This word is especially common in Spain as a straightforward word for a Spanish friend .

Other relationships in Spanish

Now that we know how to say friend in Spanish, let’s take a look at other levels of relationships so you know the correct way to address everyone and avoid misunderstandings. We’ll also point you to our post on Spanish family words  for all the terms for people you’re related to.

Conocido / Conocida

Conocido  and conocida  are terms used to describe acquaintances  or people you know. These words don’t imply a close friendship, but rather a level of familiarity. They can be used to refer to someone you’ve met or interacted with, but may not have a deep personal bond with.

Compañero / Compañera

This expression is commonly employed to denote an individual with whom you share a professional association, like a coworker  or fellow student . It communicates a feeling of solidarity and mutual regard, without necessarily implying a bond of friendship.

Conclusion: Spanish words for Friend

Well done, friends! That was a very fun journey, but now it’s time for a friendly recap.

In the Spanish-speaking world, friendship is expressed in many ways, and these words and expressions reflect the richness of personal relationships in different regions and cultures.

Whether you call someone hermano , pana , socio , or bro , what matters is the special connection you share with that person. These words remind us that friendship is a universal value, regardless of how we express it in language. So, take the chance, and practice with your pals, all these new ways to say friend  in Spanish!

More Spanish Slang

Since a lot of these terms for Spanish friends  can be considered as regional slang, perhaps you’re also interested in additional Spanish slang vocab. We’ll leave you with links to our popular series of regional slang in Spanish !

• Argentine slang
• Bolivian slang
• Chilean slang
• Colombian slang
• Medellín Spanish slang words
• Medellín Spanish slang expressions
• Costa Rican slang
• Cuban slang
• Dominican Republic and Caribbean slang
• Ecuadorean slang
• El Salvadorean slang
• Guatemalan slang
• Honduran slang
• Mexican slang
• Nicaraguan slang
• Panamanian slang
• Paraguayan slang
• Peruvian slang
• Puerto Rican slang
• Spaniard slang from Spain
• Uruguayan slang
• Venezuelan slang words
• Venezuelan slang expressions
• Spanish curse words and insults

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12 Different Ways To Say Friend In Spanish

• Read time 8 mins

Looking for a synonym to say friend in Spanish?

Although we’ve all heard of “amigo,” from our Spanish courses and favorite YouTube channels , there are various other ways to say it.

You may be looking to make new friends or want to reach out to new acquaintances.

But how do you label your friendship?

If you don’t know which word to use, check out the list of Spanish words for “friend” listed below.

How to say “friend” in Spanish

Now consider these four words you can choose to say “friend” in Spanish.

Each of these words is appropriate for different people, i.e., some are ideal for female friendships, and some are ideal for male friendships.

1. Una amistad

Use una amistad when you want to describe a “friendship.”

This is a descriptive noun that refers to the relationship between two friends.

It’s also a noun that uses a feminine article but which you can use to describe friendships between males and females.

Usage example:

Tenemos una amistad. Somos buenas amigas.

2. El amigo

El amigo , or un amigo is a word you can use to refer to a male friend in Spanish.

How can you tell you should use it for a male friend?

It uses the masculine article el . Amigo means “friend” in English.

It has a feminine equivalent, which you’ll find just below.

Mi amigo de tres años se va a Inglaterra.

3. La amiga

La amiga , or una amiga is a word you can use when referring to a female friend in Spanish.

The best way to tell that this phrase is used for female friends is to remember that it uses the feminine article la .

Amiga means “friend” just as amigo does, but don’t use it if you’re talking about a male friend.

Mi amiga habla muchísima. Yo también.

4. Los amigos

This phrase, los amigos or unos amigos is a plural phrase you can use when referring to a group of friends.

You can notice this phrase uses the plural article los , which is how you can tell it’s a plural phrase to refer to more than one friend in Spanish. You may even hear the phrase mis amigos, which means “my friends” in English.

In the case of mis amigos , this is also a pluralized version of the phrase mi amigo .

The pronoun mi must be pluralized if referring to various friends in a group, as must the word amigo .

We simply add an -s to the end of these words giving us mis amigos .

Algunos amigos de Madrid vienen a Santiago de Compostela.

5. Una camarada

Una camarada translates to English as “a comrade.”

This phrase can mean friend or buddy and is usually used in Mexican Spanish, but it can have other meanings too.

It’s quite a strong word that emphasizes that your friend has similar beliefs to you or accompanies you. It also has connotations of trust.

If you describe someone as un camarada , you trust them entirely or have confidence in them.

Eres un camarada de verdad.

Descriptive modifiers to describe friendships using the word amigo or amiga

In this section, we’ll take a quick look at three descriptive modifiers you can use to describe your relationship with an amigo or amiga in Spanish.

If you want to put a little spark into your descriptive labels, check out how you can modify the word amigo with the examples below.

1. Mejor amigo

There are some variations of the Spanish word el amigo .

If you want to emphasize your friendship, add the modifying adjective mejor , which means “best,” to the beginning of the phrase.

This modification will give you the phrase major amigo , which means “best friend.”

Use mejor amigo (with an -o) to describe your relationship with a male best friend.

You can also use the phrase mejor amiga if you want to describe the relationship you share with a female best friend in Spanish, or pluralize the phrase to give you mejores amigos when referring to several “best friends.”

¿Sabes que? Eres mi mejor amigo. Estaré a tu lado cuando te cases.

2. Querido amigo

Another variation of amigo is querido amigo .

The querido means “dear” and is a modifying adjective you can add to the beginning of the phrase to give you “dear friend.”

This phrase is good for describing a relationship you share with a childhood friend with whom you still keep in contact in adulthood.

Again, you can use the feminine equivalent querida amiga to describe the relationship you share with a female friend in Spanish, or you can choose to pluralize the phrase to refer to various dear friends, using queridos amigos , or queridas amigas (for male friends and female friends, respectively).

Hablé con un querido amigo anoche. Su abuela está malita.

3. Un buen amigo

Adding the adjective buen to the phrase amigo is another way to modify the description you use to say friend in Spanish.

Buen means “good” in Spanish and complements the masculine noun amigo .

In Spanish, you can use the feminine equivalent buena to describe a female friend. Simply use the phrase una buena amiga .

You’ve got the option of pluralizing buen amigo or buena amiga as well.

Simply add an -os to the modifier buen , and an -s to buena to give you buenos amigos and buenas amigas .

Llevo un año sin hablar con mi buen amigo. A ver como está.

Phrases to describe friendships that have multiple connotations

Some phrases have different connotations that can describe different friendships.

You may have work friends or friends of friends.

To describe relationships like these, consider the five phrases below.

1. El compañero

El compañero has a few meanings in Spanish.

El compañero can mean “the partner” or “companion.” It can also mean “buddy” or “friend.”

The first translation you get when you use a translator is “co-worker,” but this only scratches the surface.

Pluralization is possible with this phrase.

Pluralize both the masculine article and the word compañero , and use the phrase los compañeros to describe several friends.

This phrase is also commonly heard when referring to classmates.

Dice que estará un nuevo compañero estudiando aquí.

2. La compañera

La compañera or una compañera is the feminine equivalent of el compañero .

It takes on similar meanings to the word el compañero , referring to a person who studies or works with you and shares your space.

It can also refer to a person with whom you have a sentimental relationship before getting married.

La compañera estaba a punto de suspender, pero al final, aprobó.

3. Un conocido

Un conocido refers to someone you know but don’t know very well.

In other words, use un conocido to refer to an acquaintance. You may hear Spanish speakers talking about un conocido mutuo .

This phrase refers to someone both speakers know.

It’s a phrase that translates to English as “a mutual acquaintance.”

Tenemos un conocido mutuo. ¿Sabes de quien estoy hablando?

4. Una conocida

Una conocida is the feminine equivalent of un conocido .

You can use this word to refer to a female you know but may not know very well. Like un conocido , una conocida can mean “an acquaintance,” where the acquaintance is female.

It can also be used in the phrase una conocida mutual , meaning “a mutual (female) acquaintance.”

Una conocida está enfadada. ¿Hiciste algo malo?

Why learn how to understand various words that mean friend in Spanish

Understanding synonyms that mean “friend” in Spanish can widen your vocabulary and help you navigate the social relationships you build when living in a Spanish-speaking country .

For example, suppose you’re out having a coffee with a friend and they mention their mejor amiga is also joining you.

In this case, you’ll immediately understand their friendship’s strength without asking too many questions.

Grammatical rules to consider when saying “friend” in Spanish

When you describe someone as your friend in Spanish, remember that the word you choose should be modified correctly.

By this, I mean that if you’re talking about a female friend, you should use a feminine article and a feminine suffix for the word you choose. If you’re talking about a male friend, you should use a masculine article and a masculine suffix.

In some situations, you may want to refer to more than one friend in Spanish. In these cases, pluralize the article and your chosen word.

You’ll see how to do this in the example I’ve listed above for los amigos .

Use these phrases to say “friend” in Spanish

Now you’ve got all these phrases, what’s your next step?

You can now use them in your conversations with friends and family. Continue to use these phrases to remember them more easily and build friendships with ease.

Go confidently into any friendship and proudly tell your friends that they are amigos de verdad .

Are there any other ways to say friend in Spanish?

Share them with us in the comments!

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100+ Charismatic Ways to Say ‘Friend’ in Spanish Slang

Did you know there are over 100 different ways to say “friend” in Spanish? 

The Spanish language truly is a kaleidoscope of cultures and unique words used in different regions where it’s spoken.

Keep reading to learn a ton of new ways to say “friend” in Spanish, find example sentences and the specific country where the term is used.  

Join 559 million people on the planet who speak Spanish! Sign up for your FREE TRIAL SPANISH CLASS today! ➡️

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Puerto Rico

Dominican republic, central america, 100+ ways to say friend in spanish.

Without further ado, here you have over 100 ways funny, charismatic ways to say amigo or friend in Spanish. Each term includes an example sentence. 

Some words are used in more than one country, but I’m including them in the country where it’s more common to hear it. 

Let’s start with Mexico as I’m from there and I know a little bit more about Mexican slang than that from any other country.

1. Hermano/hermana

Hermano means “brother,” and hermana means “sister.”

¡Nos vemos en la fiesta hermano! See you at the party brother!

2. Mano/mana

The last four words of hermano/hermana . Same meaning. Commonly used with diminutive ( manito/manita ).

Hola manito, ¿dónde estabas? Hi bro, where were you?

3. Compadre/comadre

A compadre or comadre is the godfather or godmother of your own child. 

José es mi compadre, él nunca haría algo así.  Jose is my friend, he’d never do something like that. 

Another way to refer to your compa dre . 

Oye compa, ¿a dónde vas?  Hey buddy, where are you going?

Another way to refer to your brother. 

¡Te quiero mucho carnal! I love you bro!

6. Camarada

Literally translates as comrade. 

Carlos es mi camarada.  Carlos is my friend.

A tender modification of the word amigo which means “friend” in Spanish.

Ya vienen mis amiguis. My friends are coming. 

Very Mexican word to refer to a friend.

Voy al cine con mis cuates. I’m going to the movies with my friends.

9. Cuaderno

Translates as “notebook,” but as it uses the first 3 letters of the term cuate it can be used as  another way to say friend. 

Pedro y yo somos cuadernos. Pedro and I are friends. 

Perhaps the Mexican slang word most repeated in the world. It means “buddy.”

¿Qué onda güey? What’s up buddy?

Literally translates as “cousin.”

Vamos a la playa, primo. Let’s go to the beach buddy. 

12. Chómpiras

Only heard on the streets of Mexico City. 

¿Dónde están tus chómpiras? Where are your friends? 

13. Costeño

Term used to refer to a friend from a coastal region. 

¿Qué tal costeño? How are you doing buddy?

14. Güero/güera

Term used in Mexico to refer to a blond or light-skinned person.

15. Chavo/ chava

Literally translate as “boy” and “girl.”

¡Ese es mi chavo! That’s my buddy!

16. Muchacho/muchacha

¿Dónde están las muchachas? Where are the girls?

17. Palomilla

Term used in Mexico to refer to a group of friends.

Voy con la palomilla. I’m going with my friends.

Term used in Mexico to refer to a group of friends. Literally means “band.”

¡Saludos a la banda! Greetings to the gang!

20. Bandera

By modification of the word banda , you’ll hear people on the streets saying bandera in the same context. Literally means “flag.”

¿Has visto a la bandera? Have you seen the gang?

21. Charolastra

Term made famous by Alfonso Cuaron’s film “ Y tu mamá también .”

Diego es mi charolastra. Diego is my best friend.

Term used in Mexico as “buddy” or “dude.” Literally means “that.”

¿Qué onda ese? What’s up dude?

23. Pandilla

Term used in Mexico to refer to a group of friends. 

¿Has visto a la pandilla últimamente? Have you seen the gang lately?

24. Chamaco/chamaca

¡Ese es mi chamaco! That’s my buddy!

25. Campeón

Literally translate as “champion.”

¿Cómo estás campeón? What’s up champ?

26. Maestro/maestra

Literally translate as “teacher.”

Vamos al cine maestro, ¿o qué? Let’s go to the movies dude, or what?

Spain has its own variety of terms to refer to a friend. Let’s learn some of the most popular ones: 

27. Tío/tía

Literally translate as “uncle” and “aunt.”

Oye tío, ¿vamos a la playa? Hey buddy, should we go to the beach?

Literally translates as “trunk.”

¿Dónde estabas tronco? Where were you dude?

First 4 letters of tronco and used in the same context. 

¿Cómo estás tron? How are you dude?

30. Chaval/chavala

Hey chaval, vamos al parque, ¿vienes? Hey dude, we’re going to the park, do you want to come?

Used to refer to a very close or “intimate” friend.

Carlos y Jorge son íntimos. Carlos and Jorge are best friends forever. 

32. Compinche

Term used to refer to your “sidekick.”

Pedro es mi compinche. Pedro is my sidekick.

Literally translates as “colleague.”

¿Qué pasa colega?  What’s up dude?

Term used in Spain to refer to a group of friends. 

¿Has visto a la peña últimamente? Have you seen the gang lately?

Term used in Spain to refer to a baby. 

¿Cómo está mi tete? How is my friend doing? 

This South American nation has a very distinctive accent and very unique terms to refer to a friend.

Perhaps the Argetinian slang word most repeated in the world. It means “buddy.”

¿Qué tal ché? What’s up buddy?

37. Boludo/boluda

In Argentina a boludo is a friend.

Boludo, ¿dónde estás? Buddy, where are you?

38. Pelotudo/pelotuda

In Argentina a pelotudo is a friend.

¿Cómo estás pelotuda? How are you dude?

A term formed with the same letters as the word amigo .

Juan es mi gomía. Juan is my friend.

A pibe is a small boy.

¿Qué tal pibe? What’s up dude?

41. Viejo/vieja

Literally translate as “old man” and “old lady.”

¿Vienes con nosotros viejo? Are you coming with us buddy?

Literally translates as “hook.”

¿Cómo estás gancho? How are you dude?

Besides a delicious cuisine, Peru also has a rich slang vocabulary. 

Literally translates as “leg.”

¿Vienes con nosotros pata? Are you coming with us buddy?

Term used in Peru to refer to a friend.

Oye won, ¿dónde estabas? Hey dude, where were you?

Literally translates as “yoke.”

¿Qué pasa yunta? What’s up buddy?

46. Ñaño/ñaña

Word used in Peru to refer to a good friend.

Hola ñaña, ¿cómo estás? Hi mate, how are you?

47. Gallada

Ahí viene mi gallada.  There comes my friend.

48. Collera

Carlos es mi collera. Carlos is my friend.

49. Chochera

¿Cómo va todo chochera? How’s everything going buddy?

First 6 letters of the word chochera . Used in the same context.

¿Qué tal choche? What’s up dude?

Word used in Peru to refer to a good friend. Literally means “cause.”

Enrique es causa.  Enrique is a good friend.

52. Broster

A modification of “brother.”

¿Cómo estás broster? How are you buddy?

Word used in Peru to refer to a good friend. Literally means “partner.”

Erick y Jorge son socios. Erick and Jorge are friends. 

Let’s now learn some cool Colombian ways to say friend in Spanish.

Word used in Colombia to refer to a good friend. Literally means “frame.”

¡Ese es mi cuadro! That’s my mate!

55. Parcero/parcera

Word used in Colombia to refer to a good friend.

Karla es mi parcera. Karla is my friend.

First 5 letters of the word parcero . Used in the same context.

¿Qué tal parce? What’s up dude?

57. Cachaco

In Colombia, people from the coast would call cachaco to people from the rest of the country.

¿Qué pasa cachaco? What’s up dude?

Word used in Colombia to refer to a good friend. Literally means “fish.”

Hola pez, ¿qué tal tu día? Hi dude, how’s your day going?

59. Valedor

A valedo r is a person that vouches for you.

Miguel es mi valedor. Miguel is my friend.

Short for valedor .

¿Qué pasa vale? What’s up dude?

Word used in Colombia to refer to a good friend. Literally means “key.”

¿Cómo está mi llave? How’s my friend?

62. Llavero

Translates as “key ring” and used as a variation of llave .

Diego es mi llavero. Diego is my friend.

63. Llavería

One more variation of llave .

Somos llaverías. We’re friends.

In many cases, Colombia and Venezuela share a lot of their slang words. However, there are clear differences when it comes to the ways they say “friend” in Spanish.

Word used in Venezuela to refer to kids, but also to good friends. 

Voy con mi chamo al cine. I’m going with my buddy to the movies.

65. Chamito

Diminutive of chamo .

¿Qué tienes chamito? What is bothering you dude?

Words used in Venezuela to refer to a good friend. Literally means “the mine.”

¡Este es el mío! This is my friend!

67. Panadería

Literally means “bakery.”

¿Qué pasa panadería? What’s up dude?

68. Gauche 

Word used in Venezuela to refer to a good friend.

Hola gauche, ¿qué tal tu día? Hi dude, how’s your day going?

Literally means “devil.”

¿Cómo va la vida diablo? How’s life going dude?

Chile shares many of its slang with Argentina and Peru, but this word you’ll hear it a lot from Chilean people.

May be the most spoken slang word in Chile. 

¿Qué pasa weón? What’s up dude?

The Caribbean island is rich in slang words. 

One of the most common words spoken in Cuba and it comes from an Afrikan language originally.

Hola asere, ¿cómo te va? Hi dude, how’s it going?

Word used in Cuba to refer to a good friend. 

¿Cómo estás ecobio? How are you dude?

Variation of ecobio . 

Me voy con el cobio a la playa. I’m going with my friend to the beach.

74. Cúmbila

Another Cuban word of African origin. 

¿Cuándo jugamos una partida de dominó cúmbila? When do we play a domino game buddy?

The Cuban answer to the Mexican güey . Literally means “boy.”

¿Qué pasa chico? What’s up dude?

Ahí viene mi bonco. Here comes my buddy.

Puerto Rico shares many slang words with Cuba, but these three are specific to the US territory.

This term comes from the indigenous word panaca which means “family.”

¿Cómo estás pana? How are you buddy?

Diminutive of pana . 

Carlos es mi panita. Carlos is my buddy.

79. Pana fuerte

Another variation of pana . Fuerte means “strong.”

Tú eres mi pana fuerte. You’re my best friend.

The third big Spanish-speaking Caribbean island also has its share of terms to say friend in Spanish. 

80. Cachanchán

In Cuba it’s used to refer to a subordinate, but in Dominican Republic it simple means “friend.”

¿Qué pasa cachanchán? What’s up dude?

81. Panaful

Variation of pana . 

¡Vámonos pana! Let’s go buddy!

Central America is a diverse region with a rich slang tradition. Let’s find out about some of the most common ways Central American people use to say friend in Spanish.

82. Alero/alera

Literally translates as “wing man.”

Pedro es mi alero. Pedro is my wing man.

83. Amigazo

Translates as “big friend.”

¡Cuánto tiempo amigazo! It’s been a long time my friend!

84. Compañero 

It means “partner” and it’s widely used to refer to friends.

¿Cómo estás compañero? How are you buddy?

Diminutive of compañero .

Roberto es mi compi. Roberto is my buddy.

One more variation of compañero .

¡Cuánto tiempo ñero! It’s been a long time dude!

A derivation of the English word “friend.”

¿Qué pasa fren? What’s up dude?

Costa Rican term to refer to a good friend. 

Oye mae, vamos a la playa. Hey buddy, let’s go to the beach.

89. Consorte

Translates as “consort,” but used as “friend.”

Carlos es mi consorte. Carlos is my friend!

Derivation from the French word cher , which means “dear.”

¿Qué pasa chero? What’s up dude?

91. Pasiero

Derivation of parcero .

Voy al cine con mi pasiero. I’m going to the movies with my friend.

Derivation of “brother.”

¡Cuánto tiempo brote! It’s been a long time dude!

93. Amigote

Miguel es mi amigote. Miguel is my big friend!

94. Amiguito/amiguita

Translates as “little friend.”

¿Cómo estás amiguita? How are you my friend?

Literally translates as “dude.”

¿Qué pasa tipo? What’s up dude?

96. Confidente

Confidente in Spanish is a person you can trust. 

Sara es mi confidente. Sara is my best friend.

It means “boss.”

¡Cuánto tiempo patrón! It’s been a long time my friend!

Literally translates as “boss.”

¿Qué pasa jefe? What’s up buddy?

Same as in English. 

¿Cómo estás chief? How are you buddy?

It means “law.”

¿Dónde estabas ley? Where were you dude?

Same as in English. It’s a derivation from ley .

Paco es legal.  Paco is my friend.

102. Mi niño/mi niña

Literally mean “my boy” and “my girl.”

¿Cómo está mi niña? How is my friend?

Saying ‘Friend’ in Spanish Can Be Really Fun!

I can’t believe I could find over 100 ways to say friend in Spanish, but the Spanish language is a very rich one. Choose the ones that you like the most, start introducing them into your vocabulary and see how other people react when you use them in a conversation.

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Learn Different Ways to Say “Friend” in Spanish

Friendship adds fun, kindness, and love to life, making it better. Why not surprise your friends with different words for “friend” in Spanish? Spanish is spoken in over 20 countries, so it’s no wonder there’s a lot of slang.

This article will show you more than 20 ways to call your friends in Spanish. You’ll learn common words, regional terms, and Spanish slang . Knowing these can make talking with friends easier and grow your Spanish vocabulary if you live in a Spanish-speaking country.

Common Spanish Words for Friend

In Spanish , amigo and amiga are the top words for friends. Amigo is for men, and amiga is for women. For groups, use amigos for any mix, and amigas for just women.

Calling someone your mejor amigo or mejor amiga means they’re more than just a friend. It shows they’re your best friend. This means you share a deeper connection.

Regional Slang Terms for Friend

Spanish is spoken in over 20 countries, making its regional slang terms for “friend” incredibly diverse. From Mexico’s vibrant slang to Argentina, Peru, and Colombia’s unique expressions, the Spanish-speaking world is full of Spanish slang for close friends.

In Spain, popular spanish slang for friend includes tío/tía , tronco , chaval/chavala , íntimo , peña , and pive . Argentina and Uruguay have their own regional slang for friend in spanish, like Che , boludo/boluda , pibe/piba , viejo/vieja , gomía , and gurí/gurisa .

Colombian spanish slang for friend is lively, with terms like pana , llave , carnal , compa , amigazo/amigaza , chino/china , veci , and cucha/cucho . In Mexico, spanish slang for friend includes güey , chavo/chava , parcero/parcera , cuate , mano , chido/chida , and valedor .

Central American countries also have their own regional slang for friend in Spanish, like Mae , chero , cipote/cipota , broder , chavalo/chavala , bicho/bicha , and plebe . Words like chido in Mexico and pata in Andean regions show the influence of indigenous languages on Spanish slang .

The variety of Spanish slang for friend shows the language’s richness and cultural depth. Whether you’re in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, you’ll find a unique way to call your friends.

Mexican Slang for Friend

Spanish is spoken in over 20 countries, but Mexico has its own slang for friends. Knowing these expressions can make talking with locals easier and sound more natural.

Hermano / Hermana

In Mexico, hermano (brother) and hermana (sister) mean more than just family. They’re used to talk to close friends. This shows a deep connection and a sense of chosen family.

Pana, Panita

Pana or panita are also slang for “friend” in Mexico. They come from Venezuela and Ecuador but are now part of Mexican speech.

Socio / Socia

Socio (business partner) is also a slang for a close friend in Mexico. It’s often used for those who have been through a lot together. The feminine form, socia , is for a female friend.

Spanish Slang from Spain

Spanish slang in Spain is full of unique and colorful expressions. Two key terms for “friend” are tío and tía .

Tío and tía mean “uncle” and “aunt” in English. But in Spain, they’re used to talk to friends. You’ll often hear “¿Qué pasa, tío?” or “¿Cómo estás, tía?” as greetings. These terms show closeness and friendship.

Colega is another term for “friend” in Spain, often used for a work colleague. But it can also mean a close friend with similar interests. Colega is a simple way to call a Spanish slang for friend , especially in Spain.

Using Spanish slang can help you connect with Spanish-speaking friends. It makes casual conversations in Spain easier. Knowing when and how to use these terms can make you sound more like a local.

Friend in Spanish Slang from Latin America

The Spanish language has many regional slang words, especially for friends. In Latin America, there are many fun and loving ways to call your friends. These terms show the rich culture and friendship in each country.

Argentina: Ché, Boludo, Pibe

In Argentina, ché is a common slang for a friend. Boludo and pibe are also used, but boludo can mean different things depending on how it’s used.

Peru: Pata, Causa, Yunta

Peruvian Spanish has its own slang for friends. Pata means “friend” or “buddy.” Causa and yunta are also used for close friends.

Colombia: Parcero, Parce, Cachaco

In Colombia, parcero or parce means close friend. Cachaco is a term used by coastal Colombians for people from inland areas. It can also be a friendly way to call someone.

Caribbean Spanish Slang for friend

In the vibrant Spanish-speaking Caribbean, friendship is a big part of the culture. From Cuba’s sunny shores to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic’s lively streets, special slang terms have come up. These terms show how close friends are to each other.

Cuba: Asere and Cúmbila

In Cuba, “asere” is a way to call a friend. It means having a close bond and shared stories. “Cúmbila” is another term for a very close friend. It shows how important these relationships are to Cubans.

Puerto Rico: Pana and Panita

Puerto Ricans use “pana” and “panita” to call their best friends. These words come from “panaca,” meaning family. It shows how close and connected these friendships are.

Dominican Republic: Cachanchán

In the Dominican Republic, “cachanchán” means friend. It’s about being close and having a good time. It reflects the Dominican people’s friendly and welcoming nature.

These slang terms from the Caribbean highlight the language’s diversity. They also show the cultural values and connections in these communities.

Other Relationships in Spanish

In Spanish, there are special words for relationships that are not as close as friends. These words mean you know someone, but it’s not a deep friendship. Conocido / conocida and compañero / compañera are two examples.

Conocido / Conocida

Conocido (male) and conocida (female) mean you know someone, but it’s not a close bond. You might meet them at work, school, or social events. Your connection with them is casual and not very deep.

Compañero / Compañera

Compañero (male) and compañera (female) are for a coworker or classmate . They show a sense of teamwork and respect, but not a close friendship. These words are often used in work or school settings.

These Spanish terms help us talk about relationships that are not just friends. They let us be clear about how well we know someone. This makes it easier to understand the level of connection between people.

The Spanish-speaking world is full of words and slang for friendship. These words show how much friends mean to people in these cultures. Words like amigo and mejor amigo show the many ways we make and keep close friends.

Learning about Spanish vocabulary and Spanish slang for friendship helps us understand the language better. It also shows us the lively social life in Spanish-speaking areas. Using these expressions can make our friendships stronger and our relationships more real.

As we end this look into Spanish vocabulary for friendship , we see something important. The words we use to talk about our friends reflect our culture and community. By using this diversity, we can build deeper connections. And we can see the true value of friendship everywhere.

Oualid Cheddadi is a language enthusiast who created Lingualid with the mission to inspire independent language learners worldwide, regardless of the language they are learning. The name “Lingualid” is derived from the Portuguese word for “language,” “língua,” and the last three letters of Oualid’s name, “Lid.”

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How to Address Your Friends in Spanish

Bienvenidos amigos y amigas! Are you learning Spanish and wondering about the different ways to express the concept of “friend” in this beautiful language? 

Look no further! In this blog, we will explore the various ways in which Spanish speakers refer to their amigos and amigas, and the nuances of meaning that each term carries.

Spanish is a rich and diverse language, spoken by over 500 million people worldwide. It has a long and fascinating history, and its vocabulary reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped it over the centuries. 

When it comes to words for “friend,” Spanish is no exception. Depending on the context, the relationship, and the region, there are several words and expressions that can be used to convey the idea of friendship.

For instance, the most common term for “friend” in Spanish is “amigo” (masculine) or “amiga” (feminine). This is the most general and widely used word for referring to someone you have a close and affectionate relationship with. 

However, there are also other words and expressions that can be used to describe different types of friendships or levels of familiarity.

The different ways to say “friend” in Spanish reflect the nuances and complexities of human relationships. By learning and using these different terms, you can deepen your understanding of Spanish culture and improve your ability to communicate with native speakers. 

So, next time you make a new amigo or amiga, consider which term best reflects the nature of your relationship, and use it with confidence!

How To Say “Friend” In Spanish

First let’s look at the most universal ways to say “friend” in Spanish, as there are actually hundreds of ways depending on the country .

Amigo/amiga

The most common and widely used term for “friend” in Spanish. It can be used to refer to someone with whom you have a close and affectionate relationship.

Compañero/compañera

This term is often used to refer to someone with whom you have a close working or professional relationship, such as a colleague or classmate. It conveys a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Similar to “compañero/compañera,” “colega” is often used to refer to a friend or acquaintance with whom you have a casual or professional relationship. It may not carry the same level of emotional intimacy as “amigo/amiga.”

Conocido/conocida

This term is often used to refer to someone you know, but may not necessarily have a close relationship with. It can be translated as “acquaintance” in English.

How To Say Friend In Spanish Slang

Now, there are many different ways to say “friend” in Spanish depending on the country you are in. Let’s see below the different ways to say “friend” in Spanish, separated by country.

This is one of the most popular slang used by Venezuelans to refer to a friend. It is an abbreviation of “pana de alma” which roughly translates to “soul buddy.” It conveys a sense of warmth, closeness, and trust. It is widely used across the country among people of all ages.

Chamo/chama

This is another popular Venezuelan slang used to refer to a friend, particularly among younger generations. It can be translated as “kid” or “youngster” and conveys a sense of youthfulness and camaraderie.

This is a variation of “brother” and is often used among close male friends in Venezuela. It conveys a sense of brotherhood, loyalty, and mutual support.

Is a common expression used in Argentina , particularly in the Buenos Aires region, to call someone’s attention or to address someone informally, similar to the English words “hey” or “you.” It is a versatile word that can be used as an interjection or as a pronoun, depending on the context.

Chabón/chabona

This is another popular slang used in Argentina to refer to a friend, particularly among younger generations. It can be translated as “guy” or “dude” and conveys a sense of casualness, familiarity, and informal friendship.

Refers to a young man or boy, similar to the word “kid” or “guy” in English. It is a colloquial term and is often used in casual or informal settings, among friends and family members.

Boludo/boluda

Is a slang expression used in Argentina to refer to someone who is foolish, silly, or naive. The word is often used in a friendly and affectionate way among close friends, but it can also be used as an insult in certain contexts.

  DID YOU KNOW…? The origin of the word “boludo” is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged from the Lunfardo dialect, a slang language that was developed by the lower classes in Buenos Aires in the late 19th and early 20th century.  In Lunfardo, “boludo” was a variation of the word “bolo,” which meant “ball” or “head,” and was used to refer to someone who was dim-witted or slow.

This is a very popular slang used in Cuba to refer to a friend. It is a shortening of the phrase “¿qué bolá, asere?” , which roughly translates to “What’s up, buddy?” It conveys a sense of familiarity, casualness, and camaraderie.

This is another popular Cuban slang used to refer to a friend, particularly among younger generations. It can be translated as “mate” or “buddy” and conveys a sense of intimacy, companionship, and solidarity.

Chico/chica

This is a simple and common slang used in Cuba to refer to a friend of the opposite sex. It can be translated as “guy” or “girl” and conveys a sense of casualness, informality, and friendship.

This is a popular Mexican slang used to refer to a male friend. It can be translated as “dude” or “guy” and conveys a sense of camaraderie, closeness, and informality.

This slang is used in Mexico to refer to a close friend or a brother-like figure. It is derived from the word “carnalidad,” which means “brotherhood,” and conveys a sense of loyalty, trust, and fraternity.

This is a shortened form of the word “compadre,” which is a term used to refer to a godfather or a close friend. It conveys a sense of mutual support, trust, and friendship.

This slang is used in Mexico to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “mate” or “buddy.” The use of “cuate” conveys a sense of friendship and trust, and it is often used among friends who have known each other for a long time.

Refers to a friend or acquaintance. It is derived from the Spanish word “buey,” which means “ox” or “bull,” but the meaning of “wey” is not related to the animal. It can be used in a variety of situations, but it is most often used among friends as a way to address each other in an informal and friendly manner.

TIP… It’s important to note that the use of “wey” can also depend on the tone and context of the conversation. While it is often used in a friendly and affectionate manner, it can also be used in a confrontational or derogatory way.  It’s important to use slang with caution and respect, especially when speaking with someone you don’t know well.

This is a very common slang used in Peru to refer to a friend. It can be translated as “mate” or “buddy” and conveys a sense of closeness, camaraderie, and informality.

This is Peruvian slang used to refer to a friend or a colleague. It can be translated as “work” and conveys a sense of mutual support, teamwork, and cooperation.

This slang is used in Peru to refer to a friend, particularly among young people. It can be translated as “buddy” or “pal” and conveys a sense of camaraderie, loyalty, and trust.

This is a very common Colombian slang to refer to a friend, particularly among young people. It can be translated as “partner” or “mate” and conveys a sense of camaraderie, companionship, and mutual support.

This slang is used in Colombia to refer to a friend. It can be translated as “hand” and conveys a sense of closeness, informality, and brotherhood.

This slang is used in Colombia to refer to a friend who is cool, fun, or interesting. It can be translated as “cool guy” or “cool girl” and conveys a sense of admiration, respect, and affection.

Refer to a friend or a close associate. It is a shortened form of “parcero” or “parcera,” which can be translated as “partner” or “mate.”

This slang is used in Spain to refer to a young friend or a companion. It can be translated as “kid” or “guy” and conveys a sense of affection, informality, and playfulness.

This Spanish slang is used to refer to a good friend or a buddy. It can be translated as “pal” or “mate” and conveys a sense of closeness, camaraderie, and affection.

This is a shortened form of the word “compañero, ” which means “companion” or “colleague.” It is sometimes used in Spain to refer to a friend and conveys a sense of mutual support, trust, and friendship.

Refers to a friend, and it can be translated as “dude”. It is often used as a term of endearment, especially among young people, and it can convey a sense of familiarity, informality, and friendship. 

While the literal meaning of “tío” is “uncle,” when used as slang, it doesn’t necessarily refer to a family member, and it is commonly used as a general term for a friend

Compadre/Comadre

This is a slang used in Chile to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “buddy” or “mate.” The use of “compadre” or “comadre” conveys a sense of familiarity, and it is often used as a term of endearment.

Pololo/Polola

These slang are used in Chile to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend, respectively. However, they can also be used to refer to a close friend. The use of “pololo” or “polola” conveys a sense of affection and intimacy.

Cabro/Cabra

This slang is used in Chile to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “kid” or “guy/girl.” The use of “cabro” or “cabra” conveys a sense of informality and camaraderie.

This is a slang used in Costa Rica to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “dude” or “man.” The use of “mae” conveys a sense of informality, and it is often used as a term of endearment.

This is a slang used in Costa Rica to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “cool guy” or “cool girl.” The use of “chivo” conveys a sense of admiration, and it is often used to describe someone fun, outgoing, or popular.

Puerto Rico

This slang is used in Puerto Rico to refer to a friend, and it is short for “brother.” The use of “bro” conveys a sense of closeness and familiarity, and it is often used among friends who have a strong bond.

This is a slang used in Puerto Rico to refer to a friend, and it can be translated as “buddy” or “mate.” The use of “ñañu” conveys a sense of closeness and familiarity, and it is often used among friends who have a strong bond.

Ready To Have Amigos?

Learning how to say “friend” in Spanish is essential for building strong connections with Spanish speakers. Through this blog post, we’ve taken a quick look at the most popular ways to refer to a friend in Spanish, including “mi amigo,” “los amigos,” and even the endearing term for a best friend. 

As you continue your journey as a Spanish speaker, you’ll come to appreciate the richness of the language and the variety of Spanish words to express friendship and camaraderie.

Latin America, in particular, is a diverse and vibrant region where strong bonds and good friends are integral to life. By talking to native Spanish speakers from the Hispanic world, you’ll not only improve your language skills but also enrich your understanding of the diverse cultures and meanings behind the words. 

Latin America offers a treasure trove of experiences, and it’s through talking and engaging with locals that you’ll form lasting connections.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to Latin America or simply wish to connect with Spanish speakers around the world, remember that the key to building good friendships starts with a simple “mi amigo.”  

In Conclusion 

Practice using these Spanish words and phrases, and you’ll be well on your way to forming lifelong connections in the vibrant and beautiful countries of Latin America. After all, life is all about the people we meet and the conversations we share. 

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, SpanishVIP offers a flexible and affordable way to improve your Spanish fluency and connect with the rich diversity of cultures and peoples that make up the Spanish-speaking world. 

So why wait? Sign up today and try a free 1:1 class or free 7 days of group classes and discover why the SpanishVIP methodology is so successful for hundreds of students!

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Home » Articles » Mexican Slang: 30+ Mexican Words and Phrases to Master Casual Conversations in Spanish

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Benny Lewis

Language: Spanish

Reading time: 8 minutes

Published: Mar 30, 2020

Updated: Sep 17, 2021

Mexican Slang: 30+ Mexican Words and Phrases to Master Casual Conversations in Spanish

Hola, compa. ¿Qué onda?

Have you learned these Mexican slang words yet? Or are you used to Hola, amigo. ¿Qué tal?

Learning Spanish slang terms helps you sound like a more natural Spanish speaker. But one of the difficult aspects of any language is learning the regional differences, especially when it comes to slang. This is particularly true with Spanish, where there are many different dialects.

I started by learning Castilian Spanish , the Spanish dialect that’s native to Spain. But since then, I’ve picked up regional dialects and vocabulary from my travels around the Spanish-speaking world . And not least of all, I’ve learned some Mexican slang terms along the way.

If you live in North America, you’re probably most familiar with Mexican Spanish and Mexican slang thanks to the proximity to Mexico. And English has influenced Mexican Spanish in return. Out of all the regional dialects, Mexican Spanish has the most English terms.

If you’re a beginner Spanish learner, you’ll want to use these Mexican slang words with care. Some of them are not appropriate to use with strangers or even with your family. While it’s fun to learn slang, if you’re brand new to Spanish, I recommend that you start with essential words and phrases to start speaking Spanish now .

Let’s get right to it.

Mexican Slang to Master for Casual Conversations

Some of these terms and phrases below are NSFW.

Wey – “Dude”

Let’s start with the most common Mexican slang term. Wey means “dude” when talking to friends. It can also be used to call someone a “bro”, or, in general, refer to a guy. Sometimes you’ll see it spelt güey , but it’s pronounced the same and means the same thing.

It’s natural to greet a friend in Mexico with ¿Qué onda, wey?

It can also be used as conversational filler or an exclamation, like Wey, ¿viste eso? which means, “Bro, did you see that?”

Or another example:

Estaba estudiando español, y wey esta frase fue muy difícil … “I was studying Spanish, and like, this phrase was really difficult…”

You may also hear vato in Mexican slang, but it’s not as common as wey . It’s more cholo , or gangster.

¿Qué onda? – “What’s Up?”

Like ¿Qué tal? or ¿Qué pasa? in Spain, this means “What’s up?” in Spanish. ¿Qué onda? literally means “What wave?” like, “What wave you riding, dude?” or “How’s it hangin’?”

More crudely, you can use ¿Qué pedo? , which also means “What’s up?” But pedo means “fart”, so the actual translation is “What fart?”

No Manches – “No Way” or “For Real”

This is an exclamation, typically used when someone’s telling you a story. Wherever you might say things like “No way!”, “For real?” or “Are you serious?” in English, you’d use no manches in Mexican Spanish.

No Mames – “No Way!”

Similarly, no mames is also used as an exclamation, but it’s more intense. It’s closer to “No fucking way!” Be careful with this one since it has a strong connotation.

The literal meaning is “don’t suck”.

Pinche – “Fucking” or “The Worst”

Pinche can be used to describe something as “the worst”, “ugly”, “awful”. Or it can be an intensifying cuss word, like “fucking” in English. Besides wey , this word’s a dead giveaway someone is from Mexico.

Mijo and Mija – “My Son” and “My Daughter”

This one is simple. Many words in Spanish get smushed together for convenience. One example is mijo and mija , which is mi hijo and mi hija (“my son” and “my daughter”) smushed together.

You can do this with many words, but this one is especially common to hear. If you’re learning Spanish slang, keep an eye out for these casual “smushed” words that combine two words together.

La Neta – “The Truth”

La neta means “the truth”, but when used as slang, it has several different meanings. It can be an interjection, meaning “For real?” or “No way!” when used like ¿Es neta?*

If someone does you a favour, you can say eres la neta , which roughly translates as “you’re trustworthy” or “you’re amazing.”

Fresa – “Snobby”

Fresa usually means “strawberry”. But when you call someone fresa , it means they’re snobby or from a rich family.

Pendejo – “Dumbass”

This one has a couple of literal translations, including “asshole” and “pubic hair”. But when calling someone this, joking or otherwise, it means “you’re stupid”, “dumbass”, or “idiot”.

¿Cuándo vas a dejar de actuar estúpido? Nunca, pendejo. “When are you going to stop acting stupid?” “Never, dumbass.”

Carnal – “Buddy”

This word is used between close guy friends, or “bros”, to call each other “buddy” or “pal”. It’s a bit threatening and gangster when using it to a stranger. Saying it to a stranger is a bit like calling someone out and making sure they know you see through them and what they’re up to.

Chamaco / Chamaca – “The Kid”

This is a slang term to refer to a kid, usually one who’s a bit of a punk or pain to deal with. Here’s an example:

Ese chamaca necesita calmarse. Me estoy irritando. “That kid needs to calm down. I’m getting irritated.”

Gacho – “Uncool”

Gacho or gacha is used to describe someone or something totally uncool, or even sloppy. For example:

El cine era muy gacho. No lo recomiendo. “That movie was so lame. I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Culero – “Asshole”

Exactly as it sounds. If someone’s being an asshole, this is what you’d call them.

Aguas – “Watch Out!”

This translates as “waters”, but when used as an exclamation, it’s a slang term for “Watch out!” or “Be careful!” You can use this in place of ayuda .

It may seem strange, but it comes from when people used to dump their sewage out the window onto the street. They’d say aguas to let others know they were about to empty el bacín (their “chamber pot” from back in the day).

Chancla – The Mom Beating

This one isn’t necessarily a slang term, but more a cultural reference. Chancla means “flip flop” but it’s become a meme in Mexican culture as the preferred weapon for every madre .

For example: ¡Aguas! Chanclas de mamá! Watch out! Mom’s flip flops!

Jaina – “Chick”

This means “chick” or “chica”. You could say:

¿Qué tal, jaina? “What’s up, chick?”

Compa – “Friend”

This is the Mexican slang for “friend”. It’s short for compañero or compañera . But it doesn’t need gender changes like the whole word. So you wouldn’t use it as compro for a guy. Everyone is compa .

Mexican Slang Phrases

Here are some essential Mexican slang phrases you’ll want to know. You’ll hear these often on Mexican TV shows, for instance.

Me Vale Madres – “I Don’t Care”

This literally means “I don’t care mothers”, but a better translation would be “I don’t give a fuck” or “I don’t care, motherfucker”.

A Huevo – “Hell Yeah”

This one means “of course”, “hell yeah” or “fuck yeah”, so you use this one for enthusiastic agreement. The actual meaning is “to egg”.

In English, how we refer to “testicles” as “balls”, in Spanish, they’re huevos . So, there are lots of other dirty or not nice phrases with huevo . Like Qué huevos , which more or less means “What balls!” to say someone did something that took guts.

Eso que ni qué – “No Doubt About It”

This one literally means “That what or what.” or “That what nor what”. As a slang phrase, it’s used to mean “No doubt about it”.

Ando bien pedo – “I’m Drunk”

This is another phrase that uses pedo , or “fart” and means more or less “I’m very fart”. You say this when you’re smashed from a hard night of partying.

Estoy Crudo – “I’m Hungover”

Crudo means “raw” and the next day after feeling ando bien pedo , your stomach may feel pretty raw. So this one makes sense as “I’m hungover”.

No Pos Wow – “Not Good, Wow”

This one stems from a meme like this one:

In Spanish, guau (which sounds like “wow”) is the onomatopoeia for a dog barking. So it’s a play on that, using improper spelling like an American meme would. ( Pos is meant to be pues ).

It’s used like “Oh, wow” or “Oh, no good”. Sometimes it’s used sincerely, but it’s mainly used in a sarcastic way, like “You don’t say. eye roll ”

Vales Verga – “Worthless”

If you really want to insult someone, use this phrase. Translated word-by-word, it means “worth penis” or even “cheap penis”. When you say it, you’re calling someone “worthless”.

A La Verga – “Aw, Shit”

Another slang using verga , this time it’s an exclamation. When something goes wrong, you can say ¡A la verga! The actual meaning is “to cock”, so it basically means the same as “it went to shit” or “shit hit the fan” in English.

Tu es Chismosa – “You’re a Gossip”

This one stems from chisme , which means “gossip”. But if you want to call someone a gossip, you would say tu es chismosa or tu es chismoso .

Start Using Mexican Slang Words!

This article just grazes the surface of the interesting Spanish slang you’ll stumble upon in Mexico. But it’s a good start to Mexican slang you’ll hear in the movies, telenovelas , and shows. The more you immerse yourself in Spanish and practice these phrases, the more natural your conversations will sound. And, you’ll have an easier time picking up other slang terms, too.

Benny Lewis

Founder, Fluent in 3 Months

Fun-loving Irish guy, full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author. Benny believes the best approach to language learning is to speak from day one .

Speaks: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, Dutch, Irish

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Frequently asked questions about Mexican slang

Mexican slang: 15+ mexican phrases to have informal spanish conversations.

You will sound more authentic when you speak Spanish if you are familiar with Mexican slang . Learning regional variations is one of the most challenging parts of learning any language, particularly when it comes to slang. Given the diversity of Spanish dialects, this is particularly true.

Due to North America’s proximity to Mexico, you probably know more Mexican Spanish and slang than anyone else. And Mexican Spanish has been influenced by English in turn. Mexican Spanish has the greatest number of English terms out of all the regional varieties.

Use these Mexican slang terms with caution if you are learning Spanish for the first time. Some of them should not be used around strangers or even your family. Although learning slang is entertaining, if you are just learning Spanish, we suggest that you start with the most basic words and phrases so that you can start speaking Spanish right away.

Before we get started if you are looking for an online Spanish course, here’s the course: learn Spanish online with italki. Using new fascinating methods Spanish tutors online will help you learn Spanish words, phrases, and sentence formation.  You can try it for free by availing of the free trial facility.

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Now let’s start learning some interesting Mexican slang.

Wey – “Dude”

Let’s begin with the most widely used slang phrase in Mexico. When speaking to friends, Wey means “dude.” It can also be used to refer to a guy in general or to call someone a “bro.” Even though it’s sometimes spelled güey, the pronunciation and meaning are the same.

It is common to greet a friend in Mexico with ¿Qué onda, wey?

It can also be used as an exclamation, like Wey, ¿viste eso? which means, “Bro, did you see that?”

Take another example:

Estaba estudiando español, y wey esta frase fue muy difícil …

“I was studying Spanish, and like, this phrase was really difficult…”

You may also hear vato in Mexican slang , but it’s not as common as wey. It is more cholo, or gangster.

¿Qué onda? – “What’s up?”

Like ¿Qué tal? or ¿Qué pasa? in Spain, this means “What’s up?” in Spanish. ¿Qué onda? Literally means “What wave?” like, “What wave you riding, dude?” or “How’s it hangin’?”

You can use ¿Qué pedo?, which also means “What’s up?” But pedo means “fart”, so the actual translation is “What fart?”

No Manches – “No Way” or “For Real”

This is an exclamation that is frequently used when someone is narrating a story to you. No manches is the equivalent of English phrases like “No way,” “For real,” and “Are you serious?” in Mexican Spanish.

No Mames – “No Way!”

The exclamation no mames is used similarly, but it is stronger. It sounds more like “No fucking way!” This one carries a heavy connotation, so use caution.

Pinche – “Fucking” or “The Worst”

When something is described as “the worst,” “ugly,” or “awful,” pinche is used. Or it could be a cuss word that gets stronger, like “fucking” in English. This word, in addition to wey, is a dead giveaway that someone is from Mexico.

Before using such slang, it is essential to have detailed research on Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures.

La Neta – “The Truth”

La neta is slang for “the truth,” but it also has other connotations. When used like ¿Es neta? it can be an interjection that means “For real?” or “No way!”

Eres la neta, which roughly translates to “you’re amazing” or “you’re trustworthy,” can be used to thank someone for a favor.

Fresa – “Snobby”

Fresa usually means “strawberry”. But when you call someone fresa, it means they are snobby or from a rich family.

Pendejo – “Dumbass”

The literal translations of this one include “asshole” and “pubic hair.” However, when used in jest or otherwise, this term denotes “you’re stupid,” “dumbass,” or “idiot.”

For example:

¿Cuándo vas a dejar de actuar estúpido?

Nunca, pendejo.

“When are you going to stop acting stupid?”

“Never, dumbass.”

Carnal – “Buddy”

This word is used between close guy friends, or “bros”, to call each other “buddy” or “pal”. When used toward a stranger, it comes off as a little threatening. It’s kind of like calling someone out and letting them know you can see right through them and what they are up to when you say it to a complete stranger.

Chamaco / Chamaca – “The Kid”

This is Mexican slang for a young person, typically one who is annoying or a bit of a punk. For example:

Ese chamaca necesita calmarse. Me estoy irritando.

“That kid needs to calm down. I’m getting irritated.”

Gacho – “Uncool”

To be completely uncool or even sloppy is referred to as gacho or gacha. For example:

El cine era muy gacho. No lo recomiendo.

“That movie was so lame. I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Aguas – “Watch Out!”

This is a slang expression for “Watch out!” or “Be careful!” which means “waters” when used as an exclamation. You can substitute this for ayuda.

Although it might seem odd, it dates back to a time when people would throw their sewage out the window onto the street. When they were about to empty el bacn, also known as their “chamber pot” from the past, they would signal others by saying aguas.

Chancla – The Mom Beating

This one is more of a cultural allusion than a slang term. Chancla is Spanish for “flip flop,” but in Mexican culture, it has taken on the role of every madre’s go-to weapon. For example:

¡Aguas! Chanclas de mamá!

Watch out! Mom’s flip flops!

Jaina – “Chick”

This means “chick” or “chica”. For example:

 ¿Qué tal, jaina?

“What’s up, chick?”

Here are some crucial Mexican slang expressions that you should be aware of. For instance, Mexican TV programs frequently use these.

Me Vale Madres – “I Don’t Care”

This phrase literally means “I don’t care mothers,” but “I don’t give a fuck” or “I don’t care, motherfucker” would be a better translation.

A Huevo – “Hell Yeah”

The phrase “of course,” “hell yeah,” or “fuck yeah” are used when you are enthusiastically in agreement. The correct translation is “to egg.”

In Spanish, “testicles,” which we refer to as “balls” in English, are called “huevos.” Therefore, there are many other foul or offensive phrases associated with Huevo. Like Qué huevos, which roughly translates to “What balls!” when describing a courageous act.

Eso que ni qué – “No Doubt About It”

Literally, this phrase means “That what or what.” or “That which neither what.” It is a slang expression that means “There is no doubt about it.”

A La Verga – “Aw, Shit”

Another slang using verga, this time it’s an exclamation. When something goes wrong, you can say ¡A la verga! The actual meaning is “to cock”, so it basically means the same as “it went to shit” or “shit hit the fan” in English.

Tu es Chismosa – “You’re a Gossip”

This one stems from chisme, which means “gossip”. But if you want to call someone a gossip, you would say tu es chismosa or tu es chismoso.

Q. What is the Mexican slang word for cool ‘?

A. Chido. Chido means cool, and awesome.

Q. What is a Papi?

A. Papi is a colloquial term for “daddy” in Spanish, but in many Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, it is often used as a general term of affection for any man, whether it’s a relative, friend, or lover.

Q. How do you swear in Mexican?

A. Qué Cabrón, Tonto del culo, Gilipollas, Pollas en vinagre. There are several other phrases to swear in Mexican.

If you want to get immersed in a foreign culture, try learning Mexican slang, Colombian slang , and other formal and informal phrases. Knowing such words and phrases allow you to understand people in a better way.

Try engaging in Spanish dialects to understand people and the kind of conversations they have in a particular situation. Remember learning ant foreign language doesn’t only mean knowing all the formal phrases. In fact, knowing the informal words and phrases are equally important.

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Teach and Learn Real World Spanish

53 Spanish Slang Words for FRIEND

This article is part of the series Top 5 Spanish Slang Words Searched on Google where we feature a full list examples for:

1. Spanish slang for friend 2. Spanish slang for weed 3. Spanish slang for white person 4. Spanish slang for cool 5. Spanish slang for girl

Spanish slang for friend is the first suggestion that Google gives you when you type in the phrase “Spanish slang for” in the search box. So, let me tell you that there are a lot of words. For example, the Diccionario de Americanismos lists 140 terms! I did my research using all the resources of my Spanish slang library and here is a list of a good amount of Spanish words used in Latin America to refer to a close friend or dude . All in one place!

Amigo is the common generic translation for friend in Spanish and from that word you can get some variations such as amigazo , amigocho (Mexico), amigui (Chile) and amigucho . But if you want to blend with locals, you should consider some words from this list:

53 Examples of Spanish Slang for Friend

1. acere: Cuba

2. alero: This is the Spanish word for “eaves,” but can mean friend in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

3. bonco: It is used in Cuba to refer to a close friend or also attractive men

4. bróder or brother: Venezuela, Peru, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic and Ecuador use the Spanish adaption bróder , but Puerto Rico and Bolivia use the English “brother” according to the Diccionario de Americanismos .

5. broster: from the word “brother” in Peru

6. buey: This is the Spanish for “ox,” but also means friend in Mexico and Nicaragua.

7. cabro: Costa Rica

8. cabrón: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

9. carnal: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina and Venezuela.

10. causa: Peru

11. chamo: Venezuela

12. chero: Honduras and El Salvador

13. choche or chochera: Peru

14. chómpiras: Mexico

15. cobio: Cuba

16. collera: a group of close friends in Peru

17. compa: It is a contraction from compañero and it is used in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina and Costa Rica.

18. coño de madre: Venezuela

19. consorte: Cuba, Puerto Rico

20. cuaderno: Mexico

21. cuadro: Colombia

22. cuate: I though that this was a Mexican only word, but it surprised me that it is also used in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia and Paraguay according to the Diccionario de Americanismos .

23. cúmbila: Cuba

24. diablo: used in Venezuela (among gangs)

25. ecobio: Cuba

26. el mío: Venezuela

27. fren: Panama. From the English “friend.”

28. gallada: Peru, Colombia

29. gancho: This word means “hook” in Spanish, but it is used in Chile as “friend” or “buddy.”

30. gauche: Venezuela

31. gomía: This word is formed by changing the syllable order of “amigo” in Argentina.

32. güey: In Mexico used as a noun is “friend,” but it also can be used as an interjection to express surprise

33. hermano or hermana: This one is used almost in all Latin America: Guatemala, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile and less used in Costa Rica.

34. llave, llavería or llavero: Colombia

35. llave: Dominican Republic, Venezuela and North of Colombia

36. mae: Costa Rica

37. manito: Nicaragua and Dominican Republic, Mexico

38. mano: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Panama.

39. ñaño or ñaña: Peru and Northwest of Argentina

40. ñero or ñera: It is short for compañero or compañera and is used in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela and Colombia (North and Southwest)

41. pana fuerte: Puerto Rico

42. pana: Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia (West), Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

43. panadería: Venezuela

44. panaful: Dominican Republic

45. panita: Puerto Rico and Ecuador

46. parce: Colombia

47. parcero: Colombia and Ecuador

48. pasiero: Panama

49. pata: Cuba, Peru, Boliva (Souhwest) and Chile

50. primo: Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica and Eastern Boliva

51. vale: North of Colombia and Venezuela

52. won: from the word “huevón” in Peru.

53. yunta: Nicaragua, Cuba, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru

There are plenty of more words, but I think this list will give you a good taste from all over Latin America. If you want to know more Spanish slang for friend check the Speaking Latino online dictionary here .

In the next posts of this series The Top 5 Spanish Slang Words Searched on Google I will give you the list for weed , white person , cool and girl .

Check out these other Spanish Slang Word articles.

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Spanish Words for ‘Friend’: Exploring Slang Variations Across Regions

In any language, slang brings color and a unique cultural perspective. In Spanish, too, it offers that extra flavor to conversations. Sometimes confusing but mostly amusing, each Spanish-speaking country has its informal lingo for ‘friend.’ In this article you will explore how you say friend in Spanish slang, touching on different dialects across various regions and their unique nuances. From  tronco [ˈtɾoŋ.ko] in Spain to  parcero  [pɑɾˈθeɾo] in Mexico, let’s explore the rich array of Spanish words that beautifully portray the bond of friendship.

How to Say Friend in Spanish: the Most Common Words

When it comes to expressing the concept of a friend, several words are used across the Spanish-speaking world. Just like the  words used to say ‘Hi,’ they vary from standard to colloquial language, and their usage can depend on the country, region, and context:

• Amigo [aˈmiɣo] – Friend

Carlos es mi mejor amigo. (Carlos is my best friend.)

• Compañero [komˈpaɲeɾo]/Compañera [komˈpaɲeɾa] – Companion, comrade

Pedro es mi compañero de clase. (Pedro is my classmate.)

• Colega [koˈleɣa] – Colleague

Trabajo con un colega en este proyecto. (I am working with a colleague on this project.)

• Tocayo [toˈkaʝo]/Tocaya [toˈkaʝa] – Person with the same name (often used among friends)

Mi tocayo y yo tenemos el mismo cumpleaños. (My namesake and I have the same birthday.)

• Socio [ˈsoθjo]/Socia [ˈsoθja] – Partner (can be used among friends)

Mi socio y yo abrimos un café. (My partner and I opened a café.)

Spain: Slang Terms for Friend

As you may know from the variety of  ways to convey birthday wishes , the language in Spain is peppered with various colorful and expressive slang terms. Each offers a window into Spanish culture, often reflecting regional nuances and the informal, friendly spirit characteristic of social interactions. Here are some of the most popular words used in Spain:

• Tío/tía [ˈtio]/[ˈtia] – Guy, dude / Girl, chick

¡Eh, tío, hace tiempo que no nos vemos! (Hey dude, it’s been a while since we last saw each other!)

• Tronco [ˈtɾoŋko] – Buddy, mate

¿Qué tal, tronco? ¿Todo bien? (How’s it going, mate? Everything good?)

• Tron [tɾon] – A shortened form of tronco

Oye, tron, ¿vienes al partido mañana? (Hey dude, are you coming to the game tomorrow?)

• Chaval/chavala [tʃaˈβal]/[tʃaˈβala] – Boy, girl

Este chaval sabe mucho de música. (This guy knows a lot about music.)

• Íntimo [ˈintimo] – Close friend

Laura y yo somos íntimos desde la infancia. (Laura and I have been close friends since childhood.)

• Peña [ˈpeɲa] – Group of friends

La peña se reúne todos los viernes. (The gang meets every Friday.)

• Pive [ˈpiβe] – A casual term for a young person, often used among friends

Ese pive es compañero mío en la universidad. (That guy is my classmate at university.)

Argentina and Uruguay: ‘Che’ and Other Spanish Slang for Friend

Argentina and Uruguay share a rich linguistic heritage, and their language showcases this. With so many colloquialisms available, let’s dive into the most popular and charismatic Spanish slang friend terms used in these countries:

• Che [ʧe] – Buddy, dude

¡Che, vení acá! ¿Viste el partido anoche? (Hey buddy, come here! Did you see the game last night?)

• Boludo/boluda [boˈluðo]/[boˈluða] – Dude, pal (used affectionately, but can be offensive if used improperly)

¡Boludo, qué buena noticia! (Dude, that’s great news!)

• Pibe/piba [ˈpiβe]/[ˈpiβa] – Guy, girl

Ese pibe es un genio con las computadoras. (That guy is a genius with computers.)

• Viejo/vieja [ˈbjeɟʝo]/[ˈbjeɟʝa] – Old man, old lady (used affectionately for friends)

¿Todo bien, viejo? (Everything good, man?)

• Gomía [goˈmi.a] – A creative twist on amigo (friend)

Mi gomía siempre está para ayudarme. (My friend is always there to help me.)

• Gurí/gurisa [ɡuˈɾi]/[ɡuˈɾisa] – Boy, girl (more common in Uruguay)

El gurí de la esquina tiene un talento increíble para el fútbol. (The boy from the corner has an incredible football talent.)

• Chabón/chabona [ʃaˈβon]/[ʃaˈβona] – Guy, chick

¿Viste al chabón ese? Es un crack jugando al fútbol. (Did you see that guy? He’s amazing at playing soccer.)

• Mina [ˈmina] – Girl, often used to refer to a female friend or romantic interest

Mi mina sabe un montón sobre cine. (My girl knows a lot about movies.)

• Capo/capa [ˈkapo]/[ˈkapa] – Boss, used to show respect or admiration

¡Sos un capo, siempre conseguís resolver los problemas! (You’re a boss; you always manage to solve problems!)

Colombian Camaraderie in Slang

Colombia, known for its vibrant culture and warm people, has a rich slang lexicon. Its language is characterized by its unique expressions, many of which are used to convey affection, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging:

• Pana [ˈpana] – Friend, pal

Mi pana y yo vamos al concierto el sábado. (My friend and I are going to the concert on Saturday.)

• Llave [ˈʝaβe] – Dude, bro

Oye llave, ¿me pasas la pelota? (Hey dude, can you pass me the ball?)

• Carnal [kaɾˈnal] – Brother, a term of close friendship

Mi carnal siempre está para mí cuando lo necesito. (My brother is always there for me when I need him.)

• Compa [ˈkompa] – Short for compañero, meaning companion or comrade

¿Listo para la fiesta, compa? (Ready for the party, mate?)

• Amigazo/amigaza [amiˈɣaso]/[amiˈɣasa] – Great friend

Carlos es un amigazo, siempre me ayuda con los deberes. (Carlos is a great friend; he always helps me with my homework.)

• Chino/china [ˈtʃino]/[ˈtʃina] – Kid, often used affectionately for younger friends

¿Cómo está mi chino favorito? (How’s my favorite kid doing?)

• Veci [ˈbesi] – Short for vecino (neighbor), used for friends in the neighborhood

Veci, ¿vamos al parque? (Neighbor, shall we go to the park?)

• Cucha/cucho [ˈkutʃa]/[ˈkutʃo] – An affectionate term for an older friend

Cucho, cuéntame de tus tiempos de joven. (Old man, tell me about your youth.)

• Monito/monita [moˈnito]/[moˈnita] – Little monkey, used playfully among friends

¡Eh, monita, ven aquí! (Hey, the little monkey, come here!)

Mexican Slang for Friend: Understanding Local Vernacular

Mexico’s rich cultural heritage is vividly reflected in its slang as well, especially in the words used to describe companions. Mexican Spanish is playful, colorful, and full of expressions that convey closeness, camaraderie, and affection:

• Güey [wei] – Dude, guy (common and very informal)

¡No manches, güey, eso estuvo increíble! (No way, dude, that was incredible!)

• Chavo/chava [ˈtʃaβo]/[ˈtʃaβa] – Boy/girl, often used for younger people

Ese chavo del tercer piso es muy amable. (That guy from the third floor is very nice.)

• Parcero/parcera [paɾˈseɾo]/[paɾˈseɾa] – Friend, mate

Mi parcero y yo tenemos planes para el fin de semana. (My buddy and I have plans for the weekend.)

• Cuate [ˈkwate]/Cuata [ˈkwata] – Buddy, pal

Mi cuate y yo vamos al cine. (My buddy and I are going to the movies.)

• Mano [ˈmano] – Short for hermano, meaning brother

¿Qué onda, mano? ¿Vamos al cine? (What’s up, brother? Are we going to the movies?)

• Chido/chida [ˈtʃiðo]/[ˈtʃiða] – Cool, nice (used to describe a friend positively)

Mi amigo es muy chido, siempre me ayuda. (My friend is really cool, he always helps me.)

• Primo/prima [ˈpɾimo]/[ˈpɾima] – Cousin, but often used for friends

¿Qué pasó, primo? ¿Todo en orden? (What happened, cousin? Everything alright?)

• Chamaco/chamaca [tʃaˈmako]/[tʃaˈmaka] – Kid, young person

Ese chamaco es amigo de mi hermano. (That kid is a friend of my brother.)

• Valedor [baˈleðoɾ] – Buddy, pal

Mi valedor siempre tiene buenos consejos. (My buddy always has good advice.)

• Bato [ˈbato] – Guy, dude

Ese bato sabe mucho de coches. (That guy knows a lot about cars.)

• Cuatezon [kwateˈson] – A term of endearment for a very close friend

Mi cuatezon siempre está cuando lo necesito. (My very close friend is always there when I need him.)

Spanish Words for Friend in Central America

With its diverse cultures and rich history, Central America has a unique Spanish word for Friend. These terms vary from country to country within the region, reflecting each area’s distinct influences and linguistic styles. Here’s an exploration of them:

• Mae [maɛ] – Common in Costa Rica, similar to ‘dude’ or ‘mate’

¡Mae, qué bueno verte! (Dude, so good to see you!)

• Chero [ˈtʃeɾo] – A Salvadoran term for a close friend

¿Cómo estás, chero? ¿Todo bien? (How are you, buddy? Everything good?)

• Cipote/cipota [siˈpote]/[siˈpota] – Used in El Salvador and Honduras, referring to a young person, often a friend

Ese cipote es de mi clase en la escuela. (That kid is in my class at school.)

• Broder [ˈbroðeɾ] – A Central American twist on the English ‘brother’

¡Broder, hacía tiempo que no nos veíamos! (Bro, it’s been a while since we last met!)

• Chavalo/chavala [tʃaˈβalo]/[tʃaˈβala] – Nicaraguan slang for a young person or friend

Esa chavala es muy inteligente y amigable. (That girl is very smart and friendly.)

• Bicho/bicha [ˈbitʃo]/[ˈbitʃa] – Salvadoran slang for a young person, often used among friends

Oye bicho, ¿vienes a mi casa hoy? (Hey kid, are you coming to my house today?)

• Plebe [ˈpleβe] – A term in Honduras for a young person or friend

Mi plebe y yo vamos al cine. (My friend and I are going to the movies.)

Influence of Indigenous and Other Languages on Spanish Slang

Numerous Spanish slang words for friend are significantly influenced by indigenous languages and other linguistic sources. This cultural fusion has resulted in a diverse lexicon, reflecting the evolution of Spanish-speaking societies. Here’s an overview of such influences:

The influence of indigenous and other languages is a fascinating reflection of the complex, intertwined histories of the regions where the tongue is used. These influences enrich the vocabulary and serve as a reminder of the multicultural fabric of these societies.

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In conclusion, the myriad Spanish friend terms across different regions highlight the language’s rich diversity and cultural depth. From  cuate to  mae , these words offer more than just linguistic variety; they reflect each region’s unique social fabrics, histories, and cultural nuances. Embracing this diversity enriches our understanding and appreciation of the language and its speakers.

Can I use the same Spanish slang for ‘friend’ in Spain and Latin America?

Like  common ways to say ‘No’ in Spanish , many terms are universally understood. However, a lot of expressions are unique to either Spain or specific Latin American countries. For instance,  cuate is widely understood in Mexico but might not be commonly used in Spain. Awareness of regional differences is always advisable to ensure effective communication.

Are there any terms for ‘friend’ that have become outdated or less popular?

Certain Spanish words for friend have fallen out of favor over time, often due to generational shifts and cultural changes. For example,  compinche [kom’pin.tʃe] or  camarada [kamaˈɾaða], once popular, might now sound dated to younger speakers. Slang is dynamic, so its popularity can wax and wane with changing cultural attitudes and influences.

How has the digital age influenced slang for ‘friend’ in different Spanish-speaking countries?

The digital age has profoundly impacted slang across Spanish-speaking countries. New Spanish for friend terms have emerged, often blending traditional slang with internet lingo. For instance, abbreviations like ‘bff’ (best friends forever) have been adopted into Spanish. There’s also a trend of creating playful, shorter versions of existing words or blending them with English terms.

Where can I learn new Spanish slang phrases?

AsíHablamos is a comprehensive slang dictionary covering various Spanish-speaking countries.  WordReference forums are valuable for getting insights from native speakers on specific slang terms and their use. The  Spanish language learning app by Promova is also an excellent resource for learners. By signing up for the app, you can tap into a variety of lessons and materials that introduce everyday language and slang.

Spanish Slang for Friend – How to Tell Someone He Is Your “Bro”

• January 27, 2021

Joanna Lupa

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts , Spanish speaking cultures tend to be very friendly and warm towards “ gringos ,“ making it exceptionally easy to make friends. 

They are also friendly and fun-loving, so getting a Latin “bro” will assure you have a great time while in Spain or South America. 

As you may already know, “ friend ” in Spanish is “ amigo ” (for a man) and “ amiga ” (for a woman). These two different possibilities have to do with the noun and adjective gender in Spanish grammar . 

But how about words like “ pal,” “mate,” “buddy,” “dude,” “man,” “bro” that we like to use so much ? Does Spanish have any less formal equivalents of “friend”?

Of course, it does! Just like it has slang words for “ girl ,” “ money ,” and many other terms. 

Most Common Slang for “Friend” in Different Spanish-Speaking Countries:

• 🇪🇸 amigazo – 🇬🇧 a derivate of “amigo” used for a good and old friend across countries. 
• 🇪🇸 compadre / comadre – 🇬🇧 these two words may mean godfather / godmothe r but are also widely used as slang for friend . 
• 🇪🇸 gancho – 🇬🇧 “ a hook ” also means friend in Argentina
• 🇪🇸 boludo – 🇬🇧 another common Argentinean word that translates as “ dude. ”
• 🇪🇸 chamo / chama – 🇬🇧 probably THE most popular slang word in Venezuela
• 🇪🇸 hermano / hermana – 🇬🇧 brother / sister (used in almost all Latin America)
• 🇪🇸 chico / chica – 🇬🇧 literally boy / girl , can also mean friend
• 🇪🇸 mano / manito – 🇬🇧 short for “ hermano ” – common in Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Guatemala
• 🇪🇸 pana / panita – 🇬🇧 can be heard mostly in Central America
• 🇪🇸 güey – 🇬🇧 Mexican staple word for “ friend ,” but also a popular interjection
• 🇪🇸 cuate – 🇬🇧 apart from Mexico, it is also used in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Paraguay
• 🇪🇸 bróder, brother – 🇬🇧 a clear American influence used in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Bolivia
• 🇪🇸 fren – 🇬🇧 from the English word “friend” is a part of Panamanian slang
• 🇪🇸 weón, huevón / won – 🇬🇧 in Chile and Peru, they can be used as “ friend ,” but they are considered offensive in other countries. 
• 🇪🇸 compa – 🇬🇧 short for “ compañero ,” popular in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina, and Costa Rica
• 🇪🇸 ñero / ñera – 🇬🇧 again, short for “compañero,” used in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Colombia
• 🇪🇸 tío / tía – 🇬🇧 literally uncle / aunt, is how they call man / woman and also a friend in Spain
• 🇪🇸 yunta – 🇬🇧 is a word for a really close friend that you can hear in Nicaragua, Cuba, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Peru
• 🇪🇸 primo – 🇬🇧 literally it means “ cousin ” but is also used as “ friend ” in countries like Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, and parts of Bolivia
• 🇪🇸 parce – 🇬🇧 a common Colombian synonym of “ friend ”
• 🇪🇸 llave / llavero – 🇬🇧 can be translated as “key” and “keyring,” but in Colombia, they mean “mate”
• 🇪🇸 gomía – 🇬🇧 the Argentinians have invented this word by changing the order of the letters in “ amigo ”
• 🇪🇸 gauche – 🇬🇧 means “pal” in Venezuela

Wow, that’s a lot to pick from, isn’t it? Be careful, though; Spanish slang and idiomatic expressions are often closely tight to a particular country. Misusing them might lead to sometimes funny and sometimes embarrassing situations. 

Now that we’ve clarified that important point, let’s play a little with the words from the list and see how this Spanish slang for Friend will sound in real sentences. 

🇪🇸 ¡Tanto tiempo, amigazo! ¡Hace meses que no te veía! ¿Cómo has estado! 🇬🇧 Long time no see, buddy! I haven’t seen you in months! How’ve you been?

🇪🇸 Si necesitas ayuda le puedo decir a mi compadre Pablo que te eche una mano. 🇬🇧 If you need help, I can ask my pal, Pablo, to give you a hand. 

🇪🇸 Oye weón, y si nos tomamos un par de cervezas? 🇬🇧 Listen, dude, why don’t we have a couple of beers?

🇪🇸 Disculpa, compa, ¿me prestas tu engrapadora un segundo, por favor? 🇬🇧 Sorry, (work)mate, will you lend me your stapler for a second, please?

🇪🇸 ¡Hola, hermano!  ¿Qué hay de tu vida? ¿Cómo va el trabajo? 🇬🇧 Hi, bro! How’s life? How’s work?

🇪🇸 No sabía que Pancho y Carlos eran tan yunta. 🇬🇧 I didn’t know Pancho and Carlos were such close friends / so tight. 

🇪🇸 Ay, chama, no me siento bien hoy. No sé qué me pasa. 🇬🇧 Ah, girl, I don’t feel very well today. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. 

🇪🇸 ¡Qué bueno verte, güey! Justo necesitaba hablar contigo.  🇬🇧 Good to see you, mate! I need to talk to you about something. 

🇪🇸 Che, boludo, tengo una birra bien helada en la casa. ¿Vamos? 🇬🇧 Hey, dude, I have some icy co beer at home. Let’s go?

More Spanish Slang Words for Hanging Out With Friends

• 🇪🇸 salir de fiesta / a carretear / a rumbear – 🇬🇧 to go partying
• 🇪🇸 ligar / enrollarse / coquetear – 🇬🇧 to flirt, to pick up (girls or guys)
• 🇪🇸 charlar / copuchar / chismear – 🇬🇧 to gossip
• 🇪🇸 pelar (a alguien) – 🇬🇧 literally “ to peel ”, can also mean to talk about someone behind their back
• 🇪🇸 perrear – 🇬🇧 to dance to reggaetón music , very popular in Latin America
• 🇪🇸 tomarse una cervecita / una chela / una pola / una fría – 🇬🇧 to have a pint
• 🇪🇸 fumarse un pucho / un pitillo / un cigarro – 🇬🇧 to have a smoke
• 🇪🇸 pasarla bien / pasarlo chancho – 🇬🇧 to have a good time
• 🇪🇸 relajarse / pasar un buen rato – 🇬🇧 to chill out
• 🇪🇸 boludear – 🇬🇧 to hang out (Argentinean slang)

Let’s pretend you want to invite some of your Spanish speaking friends to hang out with you. What can you say?

🇪🇸 “Oigan, chicos, ¿qué les parece un carrete en mi casa este sábado? 🇬🇧 Listen, guys, how about a party at my place this Saturday?

🇪🇸 ¿Vamos a esa nueva disco que abrieron? Seguro que habrá muchas tías con las que ligar.  🇬🇧 Let’s go to that new disco they’ve opened! I’m sure there are going to be lots of girls to flirt with.

🇪🇸 ¡Chamas, nos vemos el miércoles como siempre! ¡Me muero de ganas de pelar a mi nueva jefa! 🇬🇧 Girls, see you on Wednesday, as usual! I am dying to gossip about my new boss!

🇪🇸 Voy a salir a fumarme un pitillo. ¿Vas conmigo, hermano? 🇬🇧 I’m going out to have a smoke. You coming with me, bro?

🇪🇸 La pasé chancho en el cumpleaños de Juan. ¡Qué manera de reírnos! 🇬🇧 I had a blast at Juan’s birthday party. We laughed our heads off!

Speaking of birthdays, do you know how to say “Happy Birthday” in Spanish? If you don’t, make sure to catch up on the most common greetings in this language. 

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How to say "Friend" in Mexican Spanish and 95 more useful words.

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20 Mexican Slang Terms That Are Funny as Hell

Mexicans are known for our food, music, incredible beaches, rich traditions, and beautiful history. But when it comes to our culture, one of the things I love the most is our colorful colloquialisms. It doesn't take much time around Mexican-Americans to notice that there is a whole different set of terminology on top of the already beautiful and rich traditions that make up Mexican cultura . Like most Latin American countries, a lot of our terms and slang come from observing nature and Indigenous languages. And similar to Dominican and Puerto Rican slang , Mexicans love to play on words.

We say things like "buena onda," which means "good deep" but also describes someone easygoing and cool. We say things are "gacho" when they're bad and "chafa" when something is of bad quality. Not to mention, there are way too many terms that have to do with farts and sex organs. Here are 20 Mexican slang words that you may have heard and should definitely know.

Mexican Slang Word: Mames

What it means: "Mamar" means "to suck." "No mames" is generally a response, like "stop messing around," "stop messing with me," and "quit bullsh*tting."

In a sentence: "My friend told me she's dating J Lo. I told her, '¡No mames!'"

Mexican Slang Word: Pedo

What it means: Pedo translates to "what fart." It's a way of saying "no way," "what's up?" or "what's the problem?" You can also jazz it up by saying "puro pedo," or "pure farts." It means "you're full of sh*t" or "you're lying."

In a sentence: "Why are you giving me attitude? Que pedo?"

Mexican Slang Word: Cabron

What it means: Technically a cabron is a male goat. It can also mean "assh*le" and "dumb*ss." But when Mexicans say that a situation is a male goat, they typically mean that it's difficult or "that sucks."

In a sentence: "Comadre my sister is getting evicted."

"No pos wow, esta cabron."

Mexican Slang Word: Ahuevo

What it means: "Huevo" means "egg" or "testicle" depending on the context. You're basically saying "egg/balls" as a way of saying "hell yeah," "of course," or "for sure." It can also be used as a way of expressing you're being forced to do something.

In a sentence: "The medicine was gross but I had to take it. ¡Ahuevo!"

Mexican Slang Word: Órale

What It means: "Órale" is a way of expressing many emotions. It can be celebratory. It can indicate surprise or discomfort. It can be used as encouragement or as in "hurry up." It can also be used to agree with someone.

In a sentence: "¡Órale mija! I've been waiting for 15 minutes."

Mexican Slang Word: Pendejo/a

What it means: Stupid person.

In a sentence: "¡Eso es lo que te pasa por pendeja!"

Mexican Slang Word: Güey

What it means: "Güey" literally means "ox" or "slow and stupid." But it's basically Mexico's version of "dude."

In a sentence: "Ese güey me cae gordo."

Mexican Slang Word: Morra/o

What It means: "Morro/a" can mean "buddy" or "dude," or it may refer to a small child.

In a sentence: "Me gusta la camisa que trae esa morra."

Mexican Slang Word: Cruda/o

What it means: "Crudo/a" means "raw." It also means "hungover."

In a sentence: "I only had three drinks last night. ¡Me siento bien cruda!"

Mexican Slang Word: Aguas

What it means: It literally translates to "waters" but is often used to mean "watch out" or "be careful."

In a sentence: "¡Aguas! Don't fall down."

Mexican Slang Word: Chiflado/a

What it means: "Chiflar" means "to whistle." A chiflado is someone who is always calling attention to themselves by showing off, bragging, or being conceited.

In a sentence: "No quiero salir con Rudy, es bien chiflado el güey."

Mexican Slang Word: Fresa

What it means: Strawberry, but also a rich, spoiled girl/child.

In a sentence: "¿Qué quiere la niña fresa?"

Mexican Slang Word: Neta

What it means: "Seriously," "real talk," or "the truth is."

In a sentence: "La neta, I don't like exercising. Let's go eat!"

Mexican Slang Word: Padre

What it means: It means father but also means cool.

In a sentence: "Gas esta carsimo, que padre que vivo cerca del centro commercial."

Mexican Slang Word: Chorro

What it means: "Chorro" refers to a jet of water. It can mean "a lot," "a ton," or "a bunch."

In a sentence: "Ese morro me gusta un chorro."

Mexican Slang Word: Pinche

What it means: It can mean "damned," "sh*tty," or "f*cking."

In a sentence: "¡No encuentro mis pinches llaves!"

Mexican Slang Word: Chula/o

What it means: Cute, pretty, or attractive.

In a sentence: "Te ves bien chula."

Mexican Slang Word: Chamba

What it means: Job or work.

In a sentence: "Ya me voy a poner a chambear."

Mexican Slang Word: Gacho

What it means: "Gacho" can mean "awful," "bad," "ugly," or "mean," depending on the context.

In a sentence: "¡No seas gacho!"

Mexican Slang Word: Me Vale Verga

What it means: "Verga" refers to the male genitalia. "Me vale" means "it's worth to me." "It's worth d*ck" is a way of saying "I don't care" or "I don't give a damn."

In a sentence: "Me vale verga si no quieres salir. ¡Nos llama la calle!"

Translations dictionary

or esse [ es -ey] or [ ey -sey]

What does ese mean?

Ese , amigo , hombre . Or, in English slang, dude ,  bro , homey . Ese is a Mexican-Spanish slang term of address for a fellow man.

Related words

Where does ese come from.

Ese originates in Mexican Spanish. Ese literally means “that” or “that one,” and likely extended to “fellow man” as shortened from expressions like ese vato , “that guy.”

There are some more elaborate (though less probable) theories behind ese . One goes that a notorious Mexican gang, the  Sureños  (“Southerners”), made their way from Mexico City to Southern California in the 1960s.  Ese is the Spanish name for letter S , which is how the gang members referred to each other. Or so the story goes.

Ese is recorded in English for a “fellow Hispanic man” in the 1960s. It became more a general term of address by the 1980s, though  ese remains closely associated (and even stereotyped) with Chicano culture in the US.

Ese is notably found in the Chicano poetry of José Antonio Burciaga and Cheech & Chong comedy routines (Cheech Marin is Mexican-American.)

White confusion over ese was memorably parodied in a 2007 episode of the TV show South Park . On it, the boys think they can get some Mexican men to write their essays , but them men write letters home to their eses .

Examples of ese

Who uses ese?

For Mexican and Mexican-American Spanish speakers,  ese has the force of “dude,” “brother,” or “man,” i.e., a close and trusted friend or compatriot .

I needa kick it wit my ese's its been a minute — al (@a1anxs) February 1, 2019

It’s often used as friendly and familiar term of address…

Always a good time with my ese. 😎 pic.twitter.com/xxM4YroWDV — | Y | G | (@yg_monroe) January 12, 2019

…but it can also be more aggressively and forcefully.

Cypress Hill 2018: Who you tryin' ta mess with, ese? Don't you know I'm seeking professional help for my deep rooted emotional problemsssssss?!? — JAY. (@GoonLeDouche) June 30, 2018

“You’d have to be crazy to swipe left.” Who you tryna get crazy with, ese? Don’t you know I’m loco? Sorry, always wanted to say that. Anyway, swipe left. Might actually be crazy. — Why I Swiped Left (@LeftyMcSwiper) December 17, 2018

Ese is associated with Mexican and Chicano American culture, where it can refer to and be used by both men and women. The term is also specifically associated with Mexican-American gang culture.

What's up ese? pic.twitter.com/0vAQxZZ6SO — AlesiAkiraKitsune© (@AlesiAkira) January 21, 2019

It is often considered appropriative for people outside those cultures to use ese , especially since some non-Mexican people may use  ese in ways that mock Mexicans and Mexican-American culture.

This is not meant to be a formal definition of ese like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of ese that will help our users expand their word mastery.

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What does "ese" mean?

I keep hearing this word "ese" (also spelled "esé" or "ése") on TV used when parodying Spanish speakers. It's often used in a very funny way to indicate friend or homie but I can't tell what it means. Googling produced mixed results where some said it was a fake word used only in Hollywood, others claimed it just meant friend, and some claimed its like using the n-word.

Can someone clarify the meaning of ese (as used in this context) and explain if it is derogatory or not? If obviously don't want to use it if it is!

Additional info from comment :

I've seen it in comedy sketches by Key and Peele. Key often talks in a mock Spanish speaking accent. I'm not sure what nationality or ethnicity it is supposed to represent, but the jokes are of a sort of parody-like nature in that he is skirting the line between funny and racist as comedians sometimes do. Example: East Side Locos Tagger

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• Is there any example of such an use you can point to? I agree with the answers given below but I can't think of how ese can be used in parody. –  JMVanPelt Commented May 2, 2015 at 21:02
• Key and Peele. Key often talks in a mock Spanish speaking accent. I'm not sure what nationality or ethnicity it is supposed to represent, but the jokes are of a sort of parody like nature in that he is skirting the line between funny and racist as comedians sometimes do. Maybe parody isn't the right word. If u have a better one, let me know and I'll change it. Here's the example: youtu.be/fwQXwlg5JU0 –  Stan Shunpike Commented May 2, 2015 at 21:42

9 Answers 9

Looking at the video you mentioned, and doing some googling, it turns out that ese (which has the gramatically correct meanings mentioned in the other answers) is a Spanglish slang to refer to someone, generally the person you are talking to. There are no academic sources for that, but here's a very plausible explanation :

In some places, "ese" (pronounced es-say) is just a slang way of refering to a guy. No different than dude , bro or man . [...] In short, ese can be a neutral term for any average guy or it can be a statement of one's gang affiliation.

Ese is a demonstrative adjective ( quiero ese libro , I want that book) or a demonstrative pronoun ( quiero ese , I want that one). As a pronoun, it's sometimes written with an accent on the stressed syllable: ése. ( RAE, see the 1st meaning of ese, esa, eso )

Ese can be used to refer to people, and it sometimes has a pejorative connotation ( RAE, see the 2nd meaning of ese, esa, eso ):

No conozco al tipo ese. (I don't know that guy.) Ese es un imbécil. (That [guy] is a moron.)

Actually, the word " ese " originated in Mexico City as a urban slang used among kids in the neighborhoods. Kids would use that as a term for "dude" or "hey, man", so it has not negative or offensive meaning. Gangs in East Los Angeles adapted the term since they are of Mexican descent and it is a very common word used among kids and teenagers who lived in urban areas in Mexico City.

• 1 According to Urban Dictionary, it is clearly a word used (in English) by people of Mexican descent, specially sureños (from Southern Mexico): urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=esé –  Gorpik Commented Jun 16, 2016 at 9:24

I am sort of weirded out by this thread!!! I am from California, but the strange nitpick on the use of ese in Mexican dialects sounds almost like it’s being answered by a bunch of folks who either did not grow up or have been exposed to common “ California/Baja ” Spanish usage, Idioms or slang, but are still of Mexican descent, or it is being answered by more people who never spoke Spanish in their lives, perhaps trying to find a translations to a meme or similar joke. You aren’t going to find a proper translation online for this use of the word..

It’s actually easier than all this. To answer the question alone, for this circumstance only, it can be replaced in English with any of these words:

Homie, Holmes, Bro, Dude, etc.

if an accent is heavy, it is because the person saying it has a heavy accent. A MEXICAN ACCENT, and anyone repeating it that doesen't belong to that sort of Barrio culture, is portraying what they hear from Mexicans saying it. Or, making fun of Mexicans . Not cool, homie. (Homie switched out for ese ).

The use of this word, and whether it is maliciously intended or in good faith, depends on if it is being said one of those ways or not, exactly like how it is in English . if you were to use one of the equivalent words i mentioned above...

“What’s your problem, Bro?” sounds menacing, hostile in english “Hey! Bro! How’s it going?” sounds friendly in English. “Dude! You shoulda seen it!” sounds neutral in english too.

However, You still would not say that neutral use of ‘ Dude ’ while talking to your great aunt Beatrice, right?

And just like in English, these Bro , Dude etc names are slang , and you would never call grandpa “ Bro ” and demand a high five. It’s rude.

So, “que onda, ese?” (or the equivalent english “ What’s up, yo? ” ) Are phrases no one would ever use when speaking to grandma, relatives or respected community members, however this usage is OK among peers, it’s just common slang which anyone might find offensive , it just depends on who thinks that way.

I believe its like using the evil “ N” word being white, no matter how good of a friend you are to an African American person, you don’t get to use it. ever.

This rule can be applied to anyone who isn’t Mexican trying to use "ese" as slang. *Not cool, Brah .* At best you'd make a fool of yourself, at worst, depending on where you are, you could get in trouble you didn't need to get in to in the first place. Always use common sense.

However you DO get a free pass using "ese" as slang if you are trying to sing along to any Cypress Hill lyrics and you HAVE to sing to " Insane in the Membrane "-

nobody cares if you can’t control yourself cuz nobody can ,

also if you are paraphrasing your favorite lines from any movie portraying Barrio culture

In general, as with all slang, if you have to ask, you should probably not be using it, but if you want to know just to understand what’s going on if you hear it, there’s no reason to not be privy to the social usage of a slang word in a language that you SHOULD know if you are living in certain areas of the United States.

Summed up, any way you can think of to use “Dude” in English, aside from its proper, webster’s Dictionary use of the term in regard to horse ranches etc. is what “ese” means in the Mexican dialects of Spanish in this context only. Ignore all the other urban dictionary stuff and other proper uses.

• 1 This is a great answer, although perhaps a bit on the passionate side, i took the liberty of doing some edits to clarify and take some edge off that may come across as hostile. But the answer does make a very important point about the usage of slang in a multicultural context , Having lived in the LAX area, and lived this kind of experiences, I couldn't agree more on using common sense, specially in today's politically charged social climate, where misunderstandings may spark unneeded tensions between communities. Learning words in other languages in good faith always builds bridges, –  hlecuanda Commented Jul 9, 2018 at 12:55

Literally, "ese" is a demonstrative pronoun which can mean it, that thing over there, that person over there . However, the Latinamerican dictionary Así Hablamos gives this use of the demonstrative pronoun "ese" for Ecuador:

Sustitución despectiva de él ¡Míralo a ese! ==> Míralo a él | Pejorative substitution for "him"

This definition fits perfectly with what I learned in the 1980's living in a provincial university town in Mexico, far from Mexico City and even farther from the northern border areas where the drug business and gang activity were starting to build up. I'm quite certain the meaning and usage I was taught had nothing to do with gangs or anything related to gangs.

Now, with the help of Urban Dictionary , here's what I believe is going on in the Key & Peele sketch. Key is playing a California latino gang leader. His use of "Ese" is analogous to how you might hear young African American men greet each other with "Nigga." A term originally (and in some circles still ) used by racist whites to refer pejoratively to African Americans has been appropriated, with a slight change in pronunciation and spelling, to mean

fellow tribesman and badass

where I'm using "tribe" to mean racial/ethnic peer group , and I'm using "badass" to mean a formidable and intimidating person .

In the case of ese , it's not a term originally used by people outside the group, but the backdrop of racism is still there, upping the ante, and we see a similar appropriation of a pejorative term as part of a reclaiming of cultural identity and building up of personal self-esteem and group-level ethnic pride.

Note, at least one of the Urban Dictionary entries uses the spelling "esé," but there is a helpful audio recording at https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=esé which shows that the accent is not used to indicate a stress on the last syllable, as in formal Spanish, but rather, to indicate that the whole word is stressed when used as a greeting.

Key uses the term to build the character he's playing, to make the comedy sketch work.

Key and Peele's comedic work with racial stereotypes has been described this way:

Key & Peele’s best sketches are subversive, but still sensitive to the fact that if you joke about a marginalized group, you don’t do so in a vacuum. They’re aware that comedy can either “punch up” against the established hierarchy or “punch down” against people who are already vulnerable.

In other words, it's complicated.

In some contexts you also use "eseeeeeee", with a phonetically longer ending "e", just to express something similar to "that's it dude" or "you rock!". This is specially used in parodying comedian shows.

Hope it helps.

• @Carlos Alejo de hecho, cosas como hope it helps sí suele recomendarse que se elimine. Interesante debate en What should I keep out of my posts and titles? - no es documentación oficial, pero fue escrita por un Community Manager de Stack Exchange . Enlaza con lo que comenté el otro día de Escribamos títulos de preguntas más concretos y textos con menos ruido . –  fedorqui Commented Jun 16, 2016 at 7:44
• @fedorqui, entiendo la postura y la respetaré si es mayoritaria, pero no la comparto. Yo entiendo que ese tipo de mensajes no se pongan en páginas como la Wikipedia, que es un sitio enciclopédico, pero los sitios de Stack Exchange en el fondo no dejan de ser foros. Si a un usuario le sale del alma decir que espera que su mensaje sea de utilidad, no veo por qué no respetarlo, yo me sentiría un poco mal si escribo eso con toda mi buena intención y me lo eliminan. Otra cosa es eliminar frases como "perdón por la respuesta tardía" y cosas así, que eso sí lo entiendo. –  Charlie Commented Jun 16, 2016 at 7:53
• @fedorqui yo propondría dejar el texto de "hope it helps" en la respuesta para no hacer sentir mal al usuario, pero avisarle de que su respuesta siempre ayuda y que no es necesario que lo escriba en el futuro. –  Charlie Commented Jun 16, 2016 at 7:54
• @CarlosAlejo dejemos este "hope it helps", vale. Este sería un buen debate para Spanish Language Meta . En general, coincido en que no hay que ser excesivamente puristas: en sitios como Stack Overflow (donde empecé yo) sí lo son porque hay una gran cantidad de actividad, por lo que es importante dejar el mínimo imprescindible para minimizar ruido. Muchas respuestas que vemos aquí que son apenas una línea se tienden a convertir en comentarios, por ejemplo. Volviendo a este caso, los elementos tangenciales a las respuestas las puede añadir el propio autor pero en comentarios, como estamos haciendo aquí ahora. –  fedorqui Commented Jun 16, 2016 at 8:19

Ese has multiple proper uses, such as Quiero ese coche, "I want that car!" Quiere ese coche, "Do you want that car?" It is also used predominantly in Mexican or Mexican American/Chicano slang as part of a greeting "Qvo (what's up) ese?" or depending on the intonation "Qvo ese!!!" (said with grit or malice) can be a challenge/confrontation of someone. I have also seen and heard it used with derogatory overtones (re: movie "Next Friday" and "Training Day"). That "Ese" or Eses" over there as the term for Mexican American/Chicano people.

• This is an interesting contribution, Cesar. the part that I didn't understand is "Qvo." Is it sort of an abbreviation for "Quiubo" (derived from "Qué hubo"? –  aparente001 Commented Jun 2, 2018 at 14:22
• @aparente001 indeed it is: q'vo –  jacobo Commented Jul 7, 2018 at 17:47

It's Mexican Spanish slang to refer to a person, analogous to tío, hombre etc (or dude, bro, man in English). It's not inherently derogatory, but could be used disparagingly in a certain context.

It's very distinctive of Mexican Spanish, so is often used as an easy marker in television etc to imply someone is Mexican, or generally 'hispanic' (since Mexican Spanish varieties are the biggest influence on US perception of the language as a whole).

e.g. Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in Young Justice uses it frequently (a character of Mexican descent, growing up in El Paso, Texas).

ese, sa. ■ M. y F. supran. Persona indeterminada; "Estaba un ese esperando en la puerta del edificio". Academia mexicana de la lengua: Diccionario de mexicanismos

ese, -a. I. 1. m. y f. EU. Hombre o mujer. pop. RAE: Diccionario de americanismos - ese

ése ... 3. ( Mexico, vocative ) dude, guy, pal, man wiktionary.org - ése (Spanish)

If you say: "Que onda, ese" it's like "what's up, dude" . You wouldn't use this expression to address any person of respect such as your boss, your dad, your dad-in-law, etc. In fact, the use of this expression will give the worst impression unless it's said to a close friend. This expression is usually frowned upon and it's considered rude when it's said out of the slums.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged modismos coloquialismos cultura-de-masas lenguaje-peyorativo lenguage-despectivo or ask your own question .

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Matador Original Series

13 differences between a normal friend and a mexican friend.

1. A normal friend will decline an invitation if they can’t make it. A Mexican friend will tell you, “Yep, I’ll be there,” knowing full well they can’t make it — just to avoid hurting your feelings.

2. A normal friend might socialize separately with their family or with their friends. A Mexican’s family are his best friends…and therefore yours within minutes of meeting them.

3. A normal friend would take at least a year to give you a nickname. A Mexican friend will do it within seconds. In fact, so will the plumber, your doctor, and anyone you meet, really.

4. A normal friend will pass you a knife to cut your birthday cake. A Mexican friend will shove your face in it. It’s your birthday, so you should have the first little bite, right?

5. A normal friend will ask you if they can bring a friend to your party. A Mexican friend will turn up with their whole crew without so much as a phone call. Why have a party if you don’t want people there?

6. A normal friend will give you a call to let you know they’re running late to meet you. A Mexican friend will turn up 40 minutes late, without even a message to let you know. But at least they turned up at all!

More like this

7. If you express interest in a job, a normal friend will wish you luck and offer to look over your application. A Mexican friend will tell you “the brother of the ex-girlfriend of my cousin used to work there, let me just makes some calls.”

8. A normal friend will describe their house and their stuff as belonging to them. A Mexican friend will describe it as if it’s yours, literally talking about their sofa as follows: “Your sofa is black leather.” Mi casa, su casa and all that.

9. A normal friend will make you tea with honey and lemon for a cold. A Mexican friend will pass you their stash of antibiotics. It’s fine though, because their sister / uncle / neighbor is a doctor.

10. A normal friend will schedule a date to see you with two weeks’ anticipation and note it on their calendar. A Mexican friend will say, “Wanna meet in 5 güey?”

11. When a family member dies, a normal friend might avoid you, feeling awkward that they don’t know what to say. A Mexican friend will turn up at your door to talk and listen and to accompany you in your grief.

12. A normal friend will leave their phone in their bag when having dinner with you. A Mexican friend will leave it on the table and happily answer it every time it rings…. “The first one to touch their phone pays the bill” should solve all that.

13. A normal friend will add salt or butter to their popcorn at the movies. A Mexican friend will drown the popped kernels in valentina hot sauce, whilst slurping on a fluorescent blue icey. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

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Essay on Mexican Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Mexican Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Introduction to mexican culture.

Mexican culture is rich with history and color. It comes from ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. Today, it’s a mix of those traditions with influences from Spain and other countries. People in Mexico are known for their love of family, music, and food.

Festivals and Holidays

Mexico is famous for its lively festivals. One of the biggest is the Day of the Dead, where families remember loved ones who have passed away. They decorate altars and graves with bright flowers and offer favorite foods.

Traditional Mexican Food

Mexican food is known worldwide. Tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole come from here. Corn, beans, and chili peppers are important ingredients. Meals are often shared with family, making eating a social event.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are key parts of Mexican culture. Mariachi bands play guitars, violins, and trumpets. Folk dances tell stories of Mexico’s history. The colorful costumes and lively rhythms are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Art and Craft

Mexican culture is a tapestry of traditions that celebrate life. It’s a blend of history, art, food, and music that brings joy to people and makes Mexico unique.

250 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Mexican culture is a rich blend of native traditions and Spanish influence. It is known for its colorful art, lively music, and strong family values. Mexico’s history shapes its culture, from ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs to the Spanish conquest.

Traditional Food

Mexican food is famous worldwide. Tacos, enchiladas, and tamales are just a few examples of the tasty dishes. Ingredients like corn, beans, and chili peppers are common. Families often gather to enjoy meals together, making food a central part of social life.

Festivals and Celebrations

Mexicans love to celebrate. One of the most famous events is the Day of the Dead, when people honor their loved ones who have passed away. There are also colorful parades, dances, and music. Christmas and Cinco de Mayo are other big celebrations full of joy and traditions.

Music and dance are vital in Mexican culture. Mariachi bands play lively tunes with violins, trumpets, and guitars. Folk dances tell stories of Mexico’s history and people. Young and old enjoy the rhythms and movements that make up Mexico’s musical heritage.

Family Values

Mexican culture is a tapestry woven from history, food, celebrations, music, and family. It is a culture full of warmth, color, and life, inviting everyone to experience its beauty and traditions.

500 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Mexican culture is a rich and colorful tapestry woven from a history that goes back thousands of years. It includes the traditions of the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations, as well as influences from Spanish colonists who came to Mexico over 500 years ago. Today, Mexican culture is known around the world for its vibrant music, delicious food, and festive celebrations.

Mexicans love to celebrate, and they have many festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, which is a time when people remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. During this festival, families create altars with photos, candles, and flowers, and they might also visit the graves of their relatives. Another important celebration is Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, which marks the day Mexico began its fight for freedom from Spain.

Music and dance are at the heart of Mexican social life. Mariachi bands, with their trumpets, violins, and guitars, are a common sight at parties and celebrations. Folk dances, such as the Jarabe Tapatío, often known as the Mexican Hat Dance, tell stories through movement and are performed wearing traditional costumes. These art forms not only provide entertainment but also help to pass down history and traditions from one generation to the next.

Art and Handicrafts

Family is a very important part of life in Mexico. Many generations often live in the same house or neighborhood, and they support each other in daily life. Respect for elders is a key value, and children are taught to listen to and learn from their parents and grandparents. Family members celebrate important events together, such as birthdays and religious ceremonies, which helps to strengthen their bonds.

Mexican culture is a beautiful blend of history, art, food, and family. It is a culture that is both ancient and ever-changing, as new generations add their own stories to the rich tapestry that has been created over thousands of years. Understanding Mexican culture can help people from all over the world appreciate the diversity and depth of human traditions.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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