Whoever has a friend has a treasure!
This saying is about friendship. It tells us that when we have a good friend by our side, the value of that friendship is equivalent to a treasure. That’s why, in this post, we bring you 20 different ways to say “friend,” both in Spain and in other Latin American countries.
IN SPAIN
- Colega
This word is used to refer to a colleague at school, church, work, or in any shared activity, but it can also be used affectionately. You might also hear the shortened version, “colegui.” For example: “She’s my colega; we met years ago at university, and that’s where our friendship started.” Note: The same form is used for both masculine and feminine. - Compañero/a, compi
We use this word to refer to each member of a group, community, school, etc. The short form “compi” is more commonly used for those colleagues with whom we have a closer friendship. For example: “He’s my compi at work; we get along great and have become good friends.” - Tronco/a
Besides referring to the thick stem of trees and shrubs, this word is also used as a nickname for a friend or mate. It’s mainly used in the central part of Spain, especially in Madrid, in informal contexts. For example: “Tronca, you won’t believe what I have to tell you.” You can also use the short form “tron”: “What’s up, tron?” - Tete/a
These words are typical of the Spanish spoken in the Mediterranean area, mainly in Valencia. They’re used to refer to siblings, sometimes cousins, and also friends. For example: “Let’s go pick up my tete, I promised.” - Peña
This word refers to a group of people who are your group of friends. For example: “This is my favorite peña, I don’t know what I’d do without them!” - Cuadrilla
Another word for a group of friends, mainly used in the north of Spain, especially the Basque Country. For example: “I have to leave soon because I’m meeting my cuadrilla to play football.” - Hermano/a
Although we use this word for siblings, it can also refer to a very close friend. It’s used this way when the friendship is very strong. For example: “These are my hermanos, I’ve known them since school.” The younger generation also uses (and overuses!) the English form “bro”: “What’s up, bro?” - Tío/a
Besides meaning “uncle/aunt,” we also use these words to refer to a friend, in a friendly way. For example: “Girl, girl! Something crazy just happened to me, you won’t believe it when I tell you.”
These are the main ways we refer to a friend or group of friends in Spain.
IN LATIN AMERICA
Now, let’s look at words used for “friend” in Latin America.
- Carnal/a
Mainly used in Mexico, this word refers to a friend and is very popular. For example: “Here comes my carnal,” “I saw your carnala in the park.” - Cuate
Also used in Mexico, this popular word refers to a friend. For example: “Let me introduce you to my cuates, they’re the best in the world.” - Weon/a
Used mainly in Chile and very popular. Although it can mean “friend,” it can also be an insult, depending on the tone and context. For example: “That weon is my best friend at work.” - Parce or parcero
In Colombia, these words mean friend or best friend and are very popular. For example: “They’re my lifelong parceros.” - Boludo/a
A word for friends, very popular, but be careful: it’s only used with close friends. If you use it with just anyone, they might think you’re being offensive. For example: “Boluda, come to the party, it won’t be the same without you.” - Pana
Used in Venezuela, this popular word refers to friends, both male and female (just like “colega” in Spain). For example: “He’s my pana from school and she’s my pana from university.” - Chamo/a
Another way to refer to a friend in Venezuela, also very popular. For example: “You guys are the best chamos in the world.” - Causa
Used in Peru, this popular word can also be found in its diminutive “causita” as a term of endearment. The same form is used for both genders, but it might be more common among men. For example: “Tomorrow is my favorite causita’s birthday.” - Pata
Another way to refer to friends in Peru, also in a colloquial register. Same use as “causa.” For example: “They’ve been patas since they were six.” - Llave
Used for both male and female friends in Ecuador, and is very popular. For example: “Antonio is my llave, he’s always there when I need him.” - Ñaño/a
Used in Ecuador to refer to siblings, but also to very close friends. Very popular. For example: “We’ll be ñaños for life.” - Pibe
Mainly used in Uruguay, but also in Argentina and Paraguay. Very popular. For example: “The pibes have to be there through thick and thin.”
After seeing all these Spanish words for “friend,” which one is your favorite? Which did you find the most interesting? Next time you see your Spanish-speaking friends, you can ask if they know any other ways to refer to friends, or if they have a special name for their group.
Without a doubt, the most important thing is to have plenty of friends to practice these and other words with, whether they’re people who want to practice Spanish or, even better, native speakers. Here are a couple of tips to help you make friends:
- Try a Spanish immersion course; you’ll meet lots of new people, all eager to practice Spanish after class. Once you decide, just find the best time and make sure it fits your budget. (Spanish course price calculator)
- On social media, you can find many opportunities, for example, in Facebook or Instagram groups of a Spanish school.
We hope you’ll soon be able to use one of these words with your friends—maybe they don’t know it and will be surprised by your knowledge of Spanish! 😊
