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"Mate" is a form of "mate", a noun which is often translated as "la pareja". "Buddy" is a noun which is often translated as "el amigo". Learn more about the difference between "mate" and "buddy" below.
mate(
meyt
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
a. la pareja (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
I read an article called, "What women look for in their perfect mate."Leí un artículo titulado "Lo que buscan las mujeres en su pareja perfecta".
b. el compañero (M), la compañera (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Katie and her mate usually go to bed early.Katie y su compañero normalmente se acuestan temprano.
a. el macho (M) (masculine)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The black widow spider kills her mate after mating.La viuda negra mata al macho después de aparearse.
b. la hembra (F) (feminine)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The male tries to attract his mate with a beautiful dance.El macho intenta atraer a la hembra con una bonita danza.
a. el compañero (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Has anyone seen the mate for this sock? - Did you look in the dryer?¿Alguien ha visto el compañero de este calcetín? - ¿Chequeaste en la secadora?
4. (nautical)
a. el oficial (M), la oficial (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Who's the ship's first mate?¿Quién es el primer oficial de este barco?
5. (chess)
a. el jaque mate (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Getting a mate in chess can take several hours.Conseguir un jaque mate en ajedrez puede llevar varias horas.
6. (colloquial) (friend) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
a. el amigo (M), la amiga (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
My sister is my best mate.Mi hermana es mi mejor amiga.
b. el colega (M), la colega (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
I'm going out with my mates from the club tonight.Voy a salir con mis colegas del club esta noche.
c. el cuate (M), la cuata (F) (colloquial) (Guatemala) (Honduras) (Mexico)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Guatemala
Regionalism used in Honduras
Regionalism used in Mexico
My fishing mates are the best in the world.Mis cuates de pesca son los mejores del mundo.
d. el pana (M), la pana (F) (colloquial) (Andes) (Caribbean) (Panama)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
Regionalism used in Panama
Charles and I have been mates since secondary school.Charles y yo somos panas desde la secundaria.
a. el compañero (M), la compañera (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
I get along with all my mates at school.Suelo llevarme bien con todos mis compañeros en el colegio.
b. el colega (M), la colega (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Chuck and his mates are meeting at the pub after work today.Chuck y sus colegas van a encontrarse en el pub después del trabajo hoy.
8. (colloquial) (form of address) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
a. hermano (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Hey, mate, can you hand me a beer, please?Oye, hermano, ¿me pasas una cerveza, por favor?
b. el tío (M) (colloquial) (Spain)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Mate, do me a favour and shut the door.Tío, hazme un favor y cierra la puerta.
c. el macho (M) (colloquial) (Spain)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Hiya, mate! Is that a new car you've got?¡Qué tal, macho! ¿Es un coche nuevo que traes ahí?
d. el mano (M) (colloquial) (Latin America)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
What's up? - What's up, mate. Fancy a pint?¿Qué hubo? - ¿Qué hubo, mano? ¿Quieres una chela?
e. el che (M) (colloquial) (River Plate)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Morning, mate! Ready for some fishing?¡Buen día, che! ¿Listo para pescar?
f. el gallo (M) (colloquial) (Chile)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Chile
Hey, mate! Happy birthday!¡Wena, gallo! ¡Feliz cumpleaños!
g. el amigo (M) (stranger)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Hi, mate! Are you the new postman?¡Qué tal, amigo! ¿Eres el nuevo cartero?
h. el jefe (M) (stranger)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Need a hand there, mate?¿Le ayudo, jefe?
i. el maestro (M) (stranger) (Latin America)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
The queue starts over there mate.La fila comienza por allá, maestro.
j. el pana (M) (colloquial) (Andes) (Caribbean) (Panama)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
Regionalism used in Panama
Do you have a cigarette, mate?¿Tienes un cigarrillo, pana?
a. el ayudante (M), la ayudante (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
She has a three-month contract as a plumber's mate.Tiene un contrato de tres meses como ayudante de fontanero.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. aparear
I'm looking for a Persian male to mate my cat.Estoy buscando un macho persa para aparear a mi gata.
11. (chess)
a. dar jaque mate
I'm able to mate my opponent in less than ten moves.Estoy a punto de dar jaque mate a mi adversario en menos de diez jugadas.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. aparearse
All the kids saw the lion and the lioness mating in the zoo.Todos los niños vieron al león y la leona aparearse en el zoo.
buddy(
buh
-
di
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
1. (colloquial) (friend) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. el amigo (M), la amiga (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
My buddy Brian is coming to visit next week.My amigo Brian viene a visitarme la semana que entra.
b. el compadre (M) (colloquial) (Latin America)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Santiago and I have been buddies since kindergarten.Santiago y yo somos compadres desde el jardín de infantes.
c. el pana (M), la pana (F) (colloquial) (Andes) (Caribbean) (Panama)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
Regionalism used in Panama
Hey, isn't that your buddy Eduardo?Oye, ¿ese no es tu pana Eduardo?
d. el pata (M) (colloquial) (South America)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
My buddy Marcos is a carpenter and can help you fix the table.Mi pata Marcos es carpintero y te puede ayudar a arreglar la mesa.
e. el colega (M), la colega (F) (colloquial) (Spain)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Me and my buddies are going out for a beer. Do you want to join us?Voy a tomar unas cervezas con mis colegas. ¿Quieres sumarte?
f. el cuate (M), la cuata (F) (colloquial) (Central America) (Mexico)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Mexico
That's my buddy's dog. I'm taking care of him while he is out of town.Ese es el perro de mi cuate. Se lo estoy cuidando mientras está de viaje.
g. el parce (M), la parce (F) (colloquial) (Colombia) (Ecuador)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Ecuador
A buddy told me that it's going to rain in a bit.Un parce me dijo que va a llover al rato.
h. el carnal (M), la carnala (F) (colloquial) (Mexico)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
One of my buddies is going to help me paint my house.Uno de mis carnales me va a ayudar a pintar mi casa.
2. (colloquial) (form of address) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. el amigo (M), la amiga (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Come on, buddy, don't be sad because you missed a goal.Ánimo, amigo, no te deprimas porque erraste un gol.
b. el compadre (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
What's your name, buddy?¿Cómo te llamas, compadre?
c. el pana (M), la pana (F) (colloquial) (Andes) (Caribbean) (Panama)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
Regionalism used in Panama
What brings you here, buddy?¿Qué te trae por aquí, pana?
d. el hermano (M), la hermana (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
I'm telling you, buddy, your girlfriend is cheating on you.En serio, hermano, tu novia te está engañando.
e. el mae (M) (colloquial) (Latin America)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
What's up, buddy?¿Qué onda, mae?
f. el macho (M) (colloquial) (Spain)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Relax, buddy, it was only a joke.Tranquilo, macho, solo era una broma.
g. el tío (M), la tía (F) (colloquial) (Spain)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Hey, buddy. What's up?Eh, tío. ¿Qué tal?
h. el boludo (M), la boluda (F) (colloquial) (River Plate)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Hey, buddy! What time is the party?¡Che, boludo! ¿A qué hora es la fiesta?
i. el parce (M), la parce (F) (colloquial) (Colombia) (Ecuador)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Ecuador
What's going on, buddy?¿Qué más, parce?
j. el güey (M) (colloquial) (Mexico)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
Tone it down a notch, buddy.Bájale la crema a tus tacos, güey.
k. el huevón (M), la huevona (F) (colloquial) (Chile)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Chile
Why are you in a bad mood, buddy?¿Por qué tienes malas pulgas, huevón?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (colloquial) (to become friendly with; often used with "up to") (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. hacerse amigo de
We tried to buddy up to the club bouncer so he'd let us in.Intentamos hacernos amigos del portero de la discoteca para que nos dejara entrar.
