mates
“mates” means “yerba mate (drink)” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
yerba mate (drink)
Also: mate gourds/cups
📝 In Action
Todos los domingos preparamos unos buenos mates para compartir en el parque.
B1Every Sunday we prepare some good yerba mate to share in the park.
Necesito comprar mates nuevos porque los viejos se rompieron.
B2I need to buy new mate cups because the old ones broke.
you kill, you checkmate
Also: you destroy/ruin
📝 In Action
Si no estudias, el examen te mates de nervios.
B2If you don't study, the exam will kill you with nerves. (Figurative)
¡No mates la conversación con ese comentario!
A2Don't kill the conversation with that comment! (Informal imperative)
checkmates
Also: matte finishes
📝 In Action
El Gran Maestro logró varios mates rápidos en el torneo.
B2The Grand Master achieved several quick checkmates in the tournament.
Prefiero los colores con acabados mates para la pared de la cocina.
C1I prefer colors with matte finishes for the kitchen wall.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mates
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mates' as the traditional South American drink?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The noun 'mate' (tea/cup) comes from the Quechua word *mati* (meaning gourd, cup, or container). The verb form 'mates' comes from the Arabic *māt* (meaning 'dead'), which entered Spanish via chess terminology.
First recorded: 16th century (for the drink); Medieval period (for the verb root)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'mates' means the drink or the verb?
If it is preceded by 'los,' 'unos,' or used as the subject of a sentence, it's the noun (the drink or the cups). If it follows a pronoun like 'tú' or is part of a command, it's the verb form of 'matar' (to kill/checkmate).
Is 'mates' only used in Argentina?
No, it is central to the culture of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and is also consumed widely in Southern Brazil, Chile, and Bolivia. It is known internationally but is most prevalent in the Southern Cone.