Ways to Say "Dude" in Spanish

Quick Answer

dude = tipoor amigo

Even though tipo and amigo can both mean dude, they’re not used in the same way.

How to Refer to a Guy as “Dude”

Tipo is the most common way to say dude when talking about a guy.

Let’s take a look at some examples!

examples
Un tipo en la estación de autobuses me pidió dinero. Some dude at the bus station asked me for money.
¿Conoces a ese tipo? Do you know that dude?

How to Address a Guy as “Dude”

When using dude as a form of address, amigo is your go-to translation. In parts of Latin America, it is also common to use mano.

Check out these examples!

examples
¿Cómo te va, amigo? How's it going, dude?
¿Qué pasa, mano? ¡Qué bueno verte! What’s up, dude? Good to see you!

Different Ways to Say “Dude” in the Spanish-Speaking World

Want to sound like a local? You can use the previously mentioned ways to say dude, or you can blend in by using a region-specific translation.

The translations in the following table can be used both when talking about a dude and as a form of address.

Ways to say dude	Region
güey	Mexico
huevón	Chile
boludo	Argentina
maje	Central America
mae	Costa Rica
cerote	El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
pana	Andes, Caribbean, Panama
tío	Spain

Let’s take a look at some examples, dudes and dudettes!

examples
¿Quién es ese tipo? Who's that dude?
¡Oye, güey! Se te cayeron los lentes de sol. Hey, dude! You dropped your sunglasses.
Nunca me cayó bien ese mae. I've never liked that dude.
Conozco a un tío que te puede ayudar. I know a dude who can help you.

Looking for other words you can use to impress the locals? Click on the following links to learn how to talk like a local in Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Spain!