Spanish word

cuate

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkwate/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfriend

Example

Mi cuate viene a cenar esta noche.

My friend is coming to dinner tonight.

Illustration for cuate (friend)

More examples

¿Vas a quedar con un cuate esta tarde?

Are you going to meet up with a friend this afternoon?

Core concept

Two close friends with arms around each other's shoulders.

Common phrases

  • tener un cuate

    have a friend

  • quedar con un cuate

    meet up with a friend

Similar words

amigo: General friend with neutral formality, suitable in many social contexts.
compañero: Shared-activity companion from the same job, classroom, or regular group.
colega: Casual colleague or fellow student used in informal workplace or school talk.
pana: Familiar pal common in Central and South America indicating closeness.

Definition in Spanish

Amigo o compañero cercano con quien se tiene confianza y trato coloquial; palabra usada especialmente en México.

Word origin

The word cuate comes from Nahuatl originally meaning 'twin' and in Mexican Spanish it now means a close, familiar companion.

Usage tips

  • It is colloquial in Mexico and signals intimacy, so using amigo is safer in formal or first-time situations.

Other meanings

  • twinnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word