Inklingo

How to Say "pals" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pals” is “amigas” — use this when referring exclusively to a group of female friends.

amigas🔊A1

Use this when referring exclusively to a group of female friends.

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camaradas🔊A2

This is a very informal term, often used among younger people or for close-knit groups with a shared experience, like schoolmates.

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colegas🔊A2

Primarily used in Spain to refer to friends made at work or in a professional context, but can extend to friends with shared professional interests.

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gordos🔊A2

An affectionate and informal nickname used for a group of friends, regardless of gender, similar to calling them 'guys' or 'dudes'.

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patas🔊B2

A casual and somewhat slang term for friends or mates, often used when planning to go out together.

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viejas🔊B2

An informal term, typically used by women, to refer to close female friends, similar to 'my girls' or 'my buddies'.

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English → Spanish

amigas

ah-MEE-gahsaˈmi.ɣas

nounA1informal, plural, female
Use this when referring exclusively to a group of female friends.
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

nounA2very informal
This is a very informal term, often used among younger people or for close-knit groups with a shared experience, like schoolmates.
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.

colegas

koh-LEH-gahskoˈle.ɣas

nounA2informal friends (Spain)
Primarily used in Spain to refer to friends made at work or in a professional context, but can extend to friends with shared professional interests.
A simple illustration showing two professional peers, one pointing at a document they are both holding, symbolizing collaboration.

Examples

Mis colegas de trabajo organizaron una fiesta sorpresa.

My colleagues from work organized a surprise party.

Ella es una de mis colegas más respetadas en la universidad.

She is one of my most respected colleagues at the university.

¿Vas a invitar a todos tus colegas a la conferencia?

Are you going to invite all your associates to the conference?

Gender Flexibility

The word 'colega' (and its plural 'colegas') does not change its ending to indicate gender. Instead, the article tells you who is being discussed: 'el colega' (male) or 'la colega' (female).

Confusing 'Colega' and 'Amigo'

Mistake: “Using 'colega' when you mean a close personal friend.”

Correction: 'Colega' implies a professional or academic relationship. Use 'amigos' (friends) or 'conocidos' (acquaintances) for personal relationships.

gordos

GOHR-dohsˈɡoɾðos

nounA2affectionate plural nickname
An affectionate and informal nickname used for a group of friends, regardless of gender, similar to calling them 'guys' or 'dudes'.
A group of three large, happy men standing together in a park.

Examples

¡Hola, gordos! ¿Cómo estáis?

Hey, guys! How are you doing?

Esos gordos son mis primos.

Those big guys are my cousins.

Nouns from Adjectives

In Spanish, you can turn a describing word like 'fat' into a person word like 'fat guy' just by putting 'los' (the) in front of it.

patas

PAH-tasˈpatas

nounB2casual friends
A casual and somewhat slang term for friends or mates, often used when planning to go out together.
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.

viejas

vee-EHH-hahsˈbje.xas

nounB2informal term for close friends
An informal term, typically used by women, to refer to close female friends, similar to 'my girls' or 'my buddies'.
A colorful illustration of three young female friends sitting around a small table, laughing and enjoying a snack together.

Examples

Voy a salir con mis viejas esta noche.

I'm going out with my girls/pals tonight.

¿Dónde están las viejas? Llevan horas de retraso.

Where are the girls? They are hours late.

Possessive Use

This slang meaning is almost always used with a possessive word, like 'mis' (my) or 'tus' (your), to show close connection: 'mis viejas'.

Gender and Formality Pitfalls

The most common mistake is using gender-specific terms like 'amigas' or 'viejas' for mixed or male groups, or using overly informal slang like 'gordos' in more formal settings. Always consider the gender of your friends and the level of formality required.

Related Translations

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