Friend
Use for 'classmate', 'coworker', or 'partner'. It implies a shared activity.
A very common and warm term for 'buddy' or 'pal' in Venezuela, Colombia, and the Caribbean.
A very popular, informal word for a 'good friend' or 'buddy' in Mexico.
The quintessential slang for 'friend' or 'dude' in Colombia. Often shortened to 'parce'.
Carlos is my friend from school.
My best friend's name is Sofía.
Hey buddy, do you want a coffee?
My coworkers are very kind.
He is my buddy from Venezuela.
'Amigo/a' is the universal standard. 'Compañero/a' is also widely understood for classmates or coworkers.
'Cuate' is very common for a close friend. For a very close friend, like a brother, you might hear 'carnal'.
'Parcero/a' (often shortened to 'parce') is the most iconic term for 'friend'. 'Pana' is also frequently used.
'Pana' is the most common word for friend, used widely and in all informal contexts.
While 'amigo/a' is standard, you'll hear 'che' used constantly as a general term of address, similar to 'hey man' or 'dude', but it doesn't strictly mean 'friend'.
'Colega' is very common for a friend or peer. Informally, people use 'tío' (for a man) and 'tía' (for a woman) to refer to friends, much like 'dude' or 'gal'.
Using the wrong gender. For example, saying 'Sofía es mi amigo'. — Nouns for people in Spanish must match their gender. The correct form is 'Sofía es mi amiga'.
Using 'amigas' for a mixed-gender group of friends. For example, 'Pedro y Ana son mis amigas'. — When a group includes at least one male, you must use the masculine plural form. The correct sentence is 'Pedro y Ana son mis amigos'.
Calling an acquaintance an 'amigo'. — In Spanish, 'amigo' often implies a closer bond than the English 'friend'. For someone you know casually, it's better to use 'conocido' (acquaintance).
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