Mate

Slang Term BritishAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Casual

Meaning: Friend, pal

朋友、伙计
Amigo, colega
友達、仲間
친구, 동무

Universal British/Australian term of friendly address. Can be genuine friendship or casual acquaintance.

英国和澳大利亚通用的友好称呼。既可以指真正的朋友,也可以用于随意的相识。
Forma de dirigirse a alguien amistosamente, universal en Reino Unido y Australia. Puede expresar amistad genuina o un trato casual.
イギリスやオーストラリアで広く使われる親しみを込めた呼びかけ。本当の友人にも、知り合い程度の人にも使える。
영국/호주에서 널리 쓰이는 친근한 호칭. 진짜 친구 사이에도, 가벼운 아는 사이에도 사용한다.

Examples

  1. Alright, mate?
    嗨,伙计,还好吗?
    ¿Qué tal, colega?
    よう、元気?
    야, 잘 지내?
  2. He's a good mate of mine.
    他是我的好朋友
    Es un buen amigo mío
    彼は俺の親友だ
    그는 내 절친한 친구야.

Pronunciation

/meɪt/

Usage Guide

Context: friendship, greeting

Tone: friendly

✓ Do Say

  • Between friends or strangers
    朋友之间或陌生人之间都可以用
    entre amigos o desconocidos
    友人同士でも見知らぬ人にも使える
    친구 사이 또는 모르는 사이에서도 사용

✗ Don't Say

  • Very formal contexts
    非常正式的场合
    En contextos muy formales
    非常にフォーマルな場面
    매우 격식 있는 자리

Common Mistakes

Origin & History

From Middle Low German 'mate' (companion).

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes

Pop culture: British/Australian culture

Regional notes: Very British/Australian.

Variations

MateMatey

Related Phrases

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Bloke ★★★★★ Man, guy Lad ★★★★★ Boy, young man; one of the boys Catch Up ★★★★★ A meeting to exchange news; to meet and share updates Get-together ★★★★★ A casual social gathering Night Out ★★★★★ An evening of social entertainment Pub ★★★★★ Public house; British bar/tavern
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