Spanish word

bato

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbato/

Meaning

  • masculine nounguy

Example

Mi bato vino a ayudarme.

My guy came to help me.

Illustration for bato (guy)

More examples

Fui al concierto con mi bato.

I went to the concert with my guy.

Core concept

Informal male buddy in Mexican and Chicano everyday speech.

Common phrases

  • con mi bato

    with my guy

  • salir con mi bato

    go out with my guy

Similar words

amigo: Close male friend in everyday use, neutral and widely appropriate.
compañero: Companion from the same group who shares roles or membership.
hermano: Affectionate male friend addressed like a brother, implying familial closeness.
colega: Informal coworker or peer name for casual workplace or social ties.

Definition in Spanish

Sirve para llamar o referirse a un compañero varón en situaciones informales, frecuente en el español de México y entre chicanos.

Word origin

Formed as a regional slang form of vato through sound variation, it became a common informal address or reference for a man within Mexican and Chicano communities.

Usage tips

  • The term applies only to men and can convey strong familiarity or local identity, so speakers use neutral alternatives like amigo or señor in polite contexts.

Other meanings

  • friendnoun
  • palnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word