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How to Say "friends" in Spanish

English → Spanish

amigas

ah-MEE-gahsaˈmi.ɣas

nounA1
Use 'amigas' when referring specifically to a group of female friends. It is the most common and neutral term.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting two young girls smiling brightly while embracing each other, symbolizing friendship.

Examples

Mis amigas y yo vamos al cine esta noche.

My friends and I are going to the cinema tonight.

¿Tienes muchas amigas en tu clase de español?

Do you have many friends (female) in your Spanish class?

Ellas han sido amigas desde la escuela primaria.

They have been friends since primary school.

Gender Rule for Groups

'Amigas' is the plural, feminine form. It refers only to groups of females. If the group includes even one male person, Spanish requires you to use the masculine plural word, 'amigos'.

The Singular Form

Remember, the singular form is 'amiga' (one female friend). The plural simply adds the '-s' to show there is more than one.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'amigas' to refer to a mixed-gender group.”

Correction: Use 'amigos' (masculine plural) when the group has both males and females, or just males. Use 'amigas' only for groups that are exclusively female.

camaradas

kah-mah-RAH-dahskamaˈɾaðas

nounA2
Use 'camaradas' to describe close companions or peers, often implying a shared experience or loyalty, like schoolmates or colleagues.
Two children smiling and holding hands while walking together on a grassy hill, symbolizing close companionship and friendship.

Examples

Mis camaradas de la escuela me ayudaron con el proyecto.

My friends from school helped me with the project.

¡Hola, camaradas! ¿Qué vamos a hacer esta noche?

Hey, buddies! What are we going to do tonight?

A Noun for Everyone

The singular form, 'camarada', can be used for both men ('el camarada') and women ('la camarada') because the meaning refers to the relationship, not the gender ending.

patas

PAH-tasˈpatas

nounB2informal, slang (Spain)
Use 'patas' as informal slang, primarily in Spain, to refer to close friends or buddies, often used in casual social settings.
A group of three cartoonish, smiling figures standing side-by-side with arms around each other's shoulders, depicting close friendship.

Examples

Esta noche salimos de copas con las patas.

Tonight we're going out for drinks with our friends/mates.

Él y yo somos patas desde el colegio.

He and I have been buddies since school.

Context is Key

When used in this slang sense, 'patas' refers to people, but it maintains its feminine form. Don't worry about changing it based on the gender of your friends.

causas

KOW-sahsˈkausas

nounC1informal, colloquial
Use 'causas' to refer to very close buddies or pals in a highly informal and colloquial way, common in some Latin American countries.
Three happy friends laughing and walking together with their arms around each other.

Examples

Salí a comer con mis causas.

I went out to eat with my buddies.

Gender and Formality are Key

The most common mistake is using informal terms like 'patas' or 'causas' in formal situations, or failing to account for gender with 'amigas'. Always consider the gender of the group and the level of formality before choosing a translation.

Related Translations

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