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cuate means friend / buddy — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 10, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

cuate

noun • /[KWAH-teh]/

friend / buddy

Example:

Ese cuate me ayudó mucho.

That buddy helped me a lot.

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🧠 What does cuate mean?

Cuate is a popular Mexican slang word that means "friend" or "buddy." It's a warm and informal way to refer to someone you're close to. Think of it as a more casual equivalent of "amigo." While primarily used in Mexico, you might hear it in some parts of the US Southwest as well.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué onda, cuate! ¿Cómo estás?
    Hey, buddy! How are you?
  • Ese cuate siempre me hace reír.
    That guy always makes me laugh.
  • Somos cuates desde la infancia.
    We've been friends since childhood.
  • Invité a mis cuates a la fiesta.
    I invited my buddies to the party.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'friend' in Spanish?
There are several ways to say 'friend' in Spanish. "Amigo" is the most common and standard term. "Cuate" is a more informal, slang term used mainly in Mexico.
How do you pronounce 'cuate' in Spanish?
It's pronounced "KWAH-tay," with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'cuate' in a sentence?
You can use "cuate" just like you would use "friend" or "buddy" in English. For example, "¡Hola, cuate!" (Hey, buddy!), or "Él es mi cuate." (He's my friend.).
What is the English translation of 'cuate'?
The English translation of "cuate" is "friend" or "buddy."
Does 'cuate' change for gender or number?
No, "cuate" stays the same regardless of gender or number. You can use it for male or female friends, and for singular or plural.
Is 'cuate' common in everyday Spanish?
It's common in everyday Mexican Spanish, but less so in other Spanish-speaking regions. Stick to "amigo" if you're not in Mexico to avoid any confusion.
Does 'cuate' have slang or double meanings?
While "cuate" itself is slang for "friend," it doesn't have any other common double meanings to be aware of in this context.
Is 'cuate' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
"Cuate" is almost exclusively used in Mexico. In Spain, it's not commonly used and people would generally use "amigo" or other synonyms for "friend."

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cuate"

Synonyms: amigo, compadre, camarada
Opposites: enemigo

💡 Did You Know?

The word "cuate" comes from the Nahuatl word "coatl," which means "twin." This suggests a deep sense of connection and closeness between friends.

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