Friends with benefits

Question

Context: There's not much to it other than someone asked me how that was said in Spanish. Although I know what it is, I have no idea how it would be expressed in Spanish.

I actually found a post on this forum from a while back that addressed the subject, but it went off topic and I've not found a definitive answer when searching the Internet.

The closest I can come to it would require at least an entire sentence. But, even then, I'm not sure if that would suffice. It would seem to me that it would take a discussion to come to a decision that would involve the kinds of future problems that this could lead to.

Or, maybe I'm just old!

What do you mean, friends in receipt of benefit, or friends that it benefits you to have, i.e. they have good connxtions and money? ec - annierats, Oct 4, 2012

you beat me to it amiga :) - ian-hill, Oct 4, 2012

Those on £20,000 a year housing benefit come to mind. :) - ian-hill, Oct 4, 2012

It means having an intimate relationship with someone based soley on convenience and not involving love or romance; a casual, non-committal tryst over an indefinite period of time; no strings. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

make that "solely" - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

This was worth a vote! I've learned something I wouldn't have thought to ask. Good question. - rheit, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 1

I find it amazing that all languages don't have one instantly recognisable word for such a "friend" - they have existed since we first smelled the flowers.

What would you have called Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn? That was definitely a "love' affair and not just convenience. He never divorced and she didn't marry anyone else. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 2

Well, simply (and commonly) put, "amantes". I personally call it "un pecado".

I thought of that, but to me, that word brings Hepburn and Tracy to mind. There's no love implied in this situation. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Well, being born a "gringo" I always thought the same thing, however I called my ex-girlfriend "mi amante" one time and she made sure that I understood the common perception of that word. Lol - DJ_Huero, Oct 4, 2012

I don't know about in other countries, but in the U.S., M.X., and P.R. it's most commonly expressed as a "lover" but not the kind you'd commit to or marry. Kind of like a "sancha" but you don't need but one woman (or man) to call it an "amante". - DJ_Huero, Oct 4, 2012

Somebody you shack up with, you mean? - annierats, Oct 4, 2012

I meant to me, amantes = Hepburn + Tracy. I''m in the U.S. and a lover, to me (not that I have one) is something different. I'm looking up "sancha" now. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Sancho is pig? Is sancha the same thing? The man would be "sancho" and the lady "sancha"? - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

annirates, no, not shacking up with, but someone who you would see on a somewhat regular basis and then just leave. Then get together again when it's convenient. I'm not going to pretend to understand it. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Their is a term common among the youth that I can't say here because it's explicit, but it's **** buddies, I think you get the idea. It's a friend that you have sexual relations with. - DJ_Huero, Oct 4, 2012

A "sancho -a" is the other man/ woman. Like if you have a significant other and someone else you're messing around with on the side. - DJ_Huero, Oct 4, 2012

Sancho/a wouldn't quite fit in this instance, but it's close. It is kinda' like that but not quite. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

I think you've got it with the "buddies", but that's what I was looking for in Spanish. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Yea, I know it's not a Sancho jeje... yo diría "amante". No sé si hay una palabra o frase igual en español. ;-) - DJ_Huero, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 3

If you mean friends on benefit: Amigos en el paro, amigos sin trabajo.

Friends beneficial to you: amigos beneficales. Friends that are very good to know: amigos ricos y poderosos!

I wish I had some of the latter... - annierats, Oct 4, 2012

I believe she means more than friends, but without the commitment of a relationship.. - andrewandrew599, Oct 4, 2012

It means having an intimate relationship with someone based soley on convenience and not involving love or romance; a casual, non-committal tryst over an indefinite period of time; no strings. - - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

make that "solely" - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

gracias, amigos y amigas. Buenas explicaciones. - annierats, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 4

Amigo o amiga con derechos.

Amigo o amiga con privilegios.

Marinovio o Marinovia.

Would that work on both sides of the pond? I can't find Marinovio/a in the dictionary. Can you break that down for me ? Please? - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

sorry.. I should be more concise...I get the novio/a part. I'm looking for the "marii"...Thanks! - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

mari is short for marido (partner or sometimes husband) combined with novio (boyfriend) = marinovio (a friend with benefits) - francobollo, Oct 4, 2012

I think marinovio o marinovia are more common in Latin America than in Spain - francobollo, Oct 4, 2012

Ahh ! You're just too good you smarty pants you! :) I wanna' be like you someday! - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 5

How about "Un amor platonico"

This would be the antithesis of platonic love. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

No, amigo. Un amor platónico no es correspondido. Un amigo con derechos involucra amor físico y emocional. - francobollo, Oct 4, 2012

I'll give you a vote for taking a risk and venturing a guess though. It's actually the opposite of platonic love. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Couple unmarried but living together are officially known as "Pareja de hecho". - kenwilliams, Oct 4, 2012

Sí, pareja de hecho o de facto. But marinovios or friends with benefits do not necessarily cohabitate. - francobollo, Oct 4, 2012

francobollo has the right idea on this one. - island_fever, Oct 4, 2012

Answer 6

From RAE Dictionary

marinovio, via.

1. m. y f. coloq. Cuba Persona con quien se mantiene una relación amorosa y sexual estable sin casarse. En Venezuela, u. solo el m.

2. m. pl. El Salv. Novios que viven como marido y mujer.

Answer 7

What do you mean, friends in receipt of benefit, or friends that it benefits you to have, i.e. they have good connxtions and money?

O M G...I have to say that I laughed aloud at this one! So funny!!!

"Friends with Benefits" must be an American term because we say it all the time (cultural thing?)

I agree with Franco's suggestion of "Amigo o amiga con privilegios" and you should say it with a wink so they understand exactly what type of privileges the amigo has.

I guess it would be an "Americanism" because when you refer to "friends with benefits" here, it is specific to a sexual relationship. I too had a laugh when I saw some of the interpretations of it. I think we all got a smile. - island_fever, Oct 6, 2012

Answer 8

Amigos lo que chaca chaca.

I will probably get my hand slapped for this one but it answers the question.

Naah no slappin' from me... however I can assure you this wouldn't be the best. Either smurks or slaps depending on the crowd. =] - DJ_Huero, Oct 5, 2012