Inklingo

How to Say "buddy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “buddy” is “amigo” — use 'amigo' for a general, all-purpose term for a friend, similar to 'friend' or 'pal' in English, suitable for most informal situations.

amigo🔊A1

Use 'amigo' for a general, all-purpose term for a friend, similar to 'friend' or 'pal' in English, suitable for most informal situations.

Learn more →
amiguito🔊A1

Use 'amiguito' as an affectionate or diminutive term for a male friend, often used for children or to express endearment towards a close male friend.

Learn more →
brother🔊B1

Use 'brother' (borrowed from English) in very casual settings, particularly among younger speakers, to refer to a close friend or acquaintance, similar to 'bro'.

Learn more →
colega🔊B1

Use 'colega' to refer to a friend or acquaintance you know well, often someone you share an activity or social circle with, similar to 'mate' or 'pal'.

Learn more →
compadre🔊B1

Use 'compadre' for a very close male friend, often one with whom you have a deep bond, historically linked to godparent relationships but now used more broadly for best friends.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

amigo

ah-MEE-goaˈmiɣo

nounA1informal
Use 'amigo' for a general, all-purpose term for a friend, similar to 'friend' or 'pal' in English, suitable for most informal situations.
Two diverse male friends standing side-by-side with their arms around each other's shoulders, smiling warmly at the camera in a park setting.

Examples

Juan es mi mejor amigo.

Juan is my best friend.

Hice muchos amigos en mi viaje a México.

I made many friends on my trip to Mexico.

Oye, amigo, ¿me puedes ayudar?

Hey, friend, can you help me?

Gender: Amigo vs. Amiga

Use 'amigo' for a male friend. For a group of friends, use 'amigos' if there's at least one male. Use 'amiga' only for a female friend, and 'amigas' for a group of all-female friends.

Confusing 'Amigo' with 'Boyfriend'

Mistake: “Él es mi amigo. (Thinking it means 'He is my boyfriend.')”

Correction: To say 'boyfriend,' you usually use 'novio.' Saying 'Él es mi amigo' almost always just means 'He is my (platonic) friend'.

amiguito

ah-mee-GEE-tohamiˈɣito

nounA1affectionate
Use 'amiguito' as an affectionate or diminutive term for a male friend, often used for children or to express endearment towards a close male friend.
A storybook illustration showing a young boy and girl skipping happily together in a sunny park.

Examples

Mi hijo invitó a su amiguito de la escuela a la fiesta.

My son invited his little friend from school to the party.

¡Hola, amiguito! ¿Quieres un helado?

Hello, little buddy! Do you want an ice cream?

Ese perrito es mi amiguito fiel; siempre me sigue.

That little dog is my faithful little friend; it always follows me.

The Diminutive -ito

The ending -ito doesn't always mean 'small.' When added to amigo, it primarily shows affection, warmth, or tenderness, making it a term of endearment.

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Mi amiguito se llama Ana.”

Correction: If the friend is female, you must use the feminine diminutive: *Mi amiguita se llama Ana*.

brother

bro-derˈbɾoðeɾ

nounB1casual
Use 'brother' (borrowed from English) in very casual settings, particularly among younger speakers, to refer to a close friend or acquaintance, similar to 'bro'.
Two young men laughing and giving each other a high-five in a park.

Examples

¡Qué onda, brother! ¿Cómo has estado?

Hey bro! How have you been?

Él no es mi primo, pero es mi brother de toda la vida.

He's not my cousin, but he's been my best friend forever.

Oye, brother, ¿me puedes hacer un paro?

Hey dude, can you do me a favor?

Using English words in Spanish

Even though this is an English word, you use it with Spanish grammar. You would say 'el brother' using the Spanish word for 'the'.

One word for many

In Spanish slang, 'brother' is often used for any close male friend, regardless of whether you have a real brother or not.

Formal Situations

Mistake: “Using 'brother' to address your boss.”

Correction: Use 'señor' or their title. 'Brother' is only for friends and very casual settings.

colega

coh-LEH-gahkoˈleɣa

nounB1informal
Use 'colega' to refer to a friend or acquaintance you know well, often someone you share an activity or social circle with, similar to 'mate' or 'pal'.
Two children, a boy and a girl, sitting on a park bench and sharing a snack, depicting close friendship.

Examples

¡Qué pasa, colega! ¿Vamos al cine esta noche?

What's up, mate! Shall we go to the cinema tonight?

Ese es mi colega desde la universidad.

That's been my buddy since university.

compadre

kom-PAH-drehkomˈpaðɾe

nounB1very informal
Use 'compadre' for a very close male friend, often one with whom you have a deep bond, historically linked to godparent relationships but now used more broadly for best friends.
Two friendly men standing side by side, smiling and shaking hands warmly in a garden setting.

Examples

Mi compadre Juan viene a la fiesta de mi hijo.

My son's godfather Juan is coming to the party.

¡Oye, compadre! ¿Cómo has estado?

Hey, buddy! How have you been?

Somos compadres desde que bauticé a su niña.

We've been 'compadres' since I baptized his little girl.

A Word of Relationship

This word describes a specific bond. It isn't just about your child; it's about the connection you have with the other adult. You are 'compadres' to each other.

Using it as a Title

In many cultures, you use 'compadre' almost like a title before a name or on its own when speaking directly to the person, similar to saying 'Sir' or 'Brother' but much more friendly.

Not for Women

Mistake: “Calling a woman 'compadre'.”

Correction: Use 'comadre' for women. 'Compadre' is strictly for men.

Choosing Between 'Amigo' and Casual Terms

The most common mistake is using overly casual terms like 'brother' or 'colega' in situations where a more general 'amigo' is appropriate, or vice-versa. Always consider your relationship with the person and the formality of the setting before choosing a translation for 'buddy'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.