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güey means dude / bro — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 2, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

güey

noun • /[GWAY]/

dude / bro

Example:

Ese güey llegó tarde.

That dude arrived late.

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🧠 What does güey mean?

Güey (pronounced 'gway' like 'way' with a hard 'g') is a highly common word in Mexican Spanish used similarly to 'dude', 'bro', 'mate', or 'pal' in English. It's a casual term of address, mostly used between friends, and carries a sense of camaraderie. While generally friendly, its meaning can shift depending on context and tone, ranging from affectionate to slightly dismissive.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué onda, güey!
    What's up, dude!
  • No manches, güey, ¡qué buena noticia!
    No way, dude, that's awesome news!
  • Oye, güey, ¿me pasas la sal?
    Hey, man, can you pass the salt?
  • Ese güey siempre llega tarde.
    That guy always arrives late.
  • No seas güey.
    Don't be silly / stupid.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'dude' in Spanish?
While there are many ways to say 'dude' depending on the region and context, 'güey' is a very common equivalent in Mexican Spanish.
How do you pronounce 'güey' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'gway', rhyming with 'way', but with a hard 'g' sound at the beginning.
How do you use 'güey' in a sentence?
You can use 'güey' as a direct address, like 'Hey, güey!', or to refer to someone, like 'That güey is always late.' It's important to remember that it's informal.
What is the English translation of 'güey'?
It's often translated as 'dude', 'bro', 'mate', or 'pal', but the exact meaning depends on context and intonation.
Does 'güey' change for gender or number?
No, 'güey' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'güey' common in everyday Spanish?
It's extremely common in everyday Mexican Spanish, especially among younger generations.
Does 'güey' have slang or double meanings?
While generally friendly, 'güey' can sometimes be used sarcastically or dismissively. It can even mean 'idiot' or 'fool' depending on the tone and context. Pay attention to the situation and speaker's tone.
Is 'güey' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Güey' is almost exclusively used in Mexico. While some other Latin American countries might understand it, it's not commonly used and could sound out of place.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "güey"

Synonyms: cuate, carnal, vato

💡 Did You Know?

Originally, 'güey' meant 'ox' or 'steer.' Its evolution to a slang term for 'dude' is a fascinating example of language change.

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