Inklingo

How to Say "mate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mate” is “compañero” — use this word for a close friend or partner, especially in UK/Australian slang contexts, referring to a long-term relationship or deep friendship..

compañeroA2

Use this word for a close friend or partner, especially in UK/Australian slang contexts, referring to a long-term relationship or deep friendship.

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colega🔊B1

This is a common and versatile translation for 'mate' when referring to a friend or pal, often used in greetings among peers.

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camarada🔊B1

Use 'camarada' to refer to a friend or colleague, often implying a shared experience or group, like a friend from university.

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tíoB1

This is a very informal term, similar to 'dude' or 'mate' in UK/Australian English, used as a casual address to someone you know.

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chaval🔊B1

Use 'chaval' as an informal address, particularly common in Spain, akin to calling someone 'mate' or 'kid' in a friendly way.

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tronco🔊B2

This is a slang term, often used in translations mimicking UK-style English, to address a friend informally, similar to 'dude' or 'mate'.

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pareja🔊A1

Use 'pareja' specifically when referring to a partner in a dance, game, or romantic relationship, not as a general term for a friend.

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English → Spanish

compañero

nounA2informal
Use this word for a close friend or partner, especially in UK/Australian slang contexts, referring to a long-term relationship or deep friendship.

Examples

Mi abuelo fue el compañero de vida de mi abuela por 60 años.

My grandfather was my grandmother's life partner for 60 years.

colega

coh-LEH-gah/koˈleɣa/

nounB1informal
This is a common and versatile translation for 'mate' when referring to a friend or pal, often used in greetings among peers.
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.

camarada

kah-mah-RAH-dah/kamaˈɾaða/

nounB1informal
Use 'camarada' to refer to a friend or colleague, often implying a shared experience or group, like a friend from university.
Two people wearing simple matching solid-color uniforms standing shoulder-to-shoulder, one resting a hand on the other's shoulder, signifying their alliance as comrades.

Examples

Mi camarada de la universidad me ayudó a estudiar para el examen.

My university companion/mate helped me study for the exam.

Los viejos camaradas de guerra se encontraron después de muchos años.

The old comrades-in-arms met after many years.

Ella es una camarada muy leal en el trabajo.

She is a very loyal colleague at work.

Gender is Flexible

Even though 'camarada' ends in '-a', it can refer to both men and women. The word you use before it (the article) tells you the gender: 'el camarada' (male) or 'la camarada' (female).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'el camarada' for a woman.”

Correction: Use 'la camarada' when referring to a woman. The word itself doesn't change, only the article.

tío

nounB1very informal
This is a very informal term, similar to 'dude' or 'mate' in UK/Australian English, used as a casual address to someone you know.

Examples

Oye, tío, ¿qué hora es?

Hey dude, what time is it?

chaval

/cha-VAL//tʃaˈβal/

nounB1informal
Use 'chaval' as an informal address, particularly common in Spain, akin to calling someone 'mate' or 'kid' in a friendly way.
Two friends standing casually side-by-side, bumping fists and smiling.

Examples

¿Qué pasa, chaval? ¿Vienes a la fiesta?

What's up, mate? Are you coming to the party?

Oye, chaval, ¿me puedes pasar la sal?

Hey, guy, can you pass me the salt?

Direct Address

When used in this way, 'chaval' is like an exclamation or a direct address, similar to putting 'hey' or 'man' at the beginning of a sentence.

Formal Situations

Mistake: “Using 'chaval' to address an older person or someone in a professional setting.”

Correction: This word is highly informal. Use 'Señor' or 'Señora' for respect, or 'usted' for formal address.

tronco

/TRON-ko//ˈtɾoŋko/

nounB2informal
This is a slang term, often used in translations mimicking UK-style English, to address a friend informally, similar to 'dude' or 'mate'.
Two friendly people wearing casual clothes, high-fiving in a park.

Examples

Oye, tronco, ¿quieres venir al cine?

Hey dude, do you want to come to the movies?

pareja

pah-REH-hah/paˈɾe.xa/

nounA1
Use 'pareja' specifically when referring to a partner in a dance, game, or romantic relationship, not as a general term for a friend.
Two stylized figures, one slightly taller than the other, standing close together and holding hands, smiling warmly.

Examples

Mi pareja y yo vamos a adoptar un perro.

My partner and I are going to adopt a dog.

Ellos son una pareja muy divertida.

They are a very fun couple.

¿Quién es tu pareja de baile?

Who is your dance partner?

Always Feminine

Even if the person you are referring to is male, the word 'pareja' is always feminine: 'El es mi pareja' (He is my partner).

Using Masculine Article

Mistake: “El pareja”

Correction: La pareja. Remember that the word itself determines the article, not the gender of the person.

Friend vs. Partner vs. Address

The most common mistake is using terms like 'tío' or 'chaval' for someone you consider a close, long-term friend, when 'compañero' or 'colega' might be more appropriate. Conversely, avoid using 'pareja' for a casual friend, as it specifically means partner or couple.

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