PAL

[/pæl/]
nounpl: pals
amigo, colega, companheiro
1. a friend or friendly companion; someone you know well and like
He's been my pal since we were kids.
Ele é meu amigo desde que éramos crianças.
2. a casual, informal way to address someone in a friendly manner
Hey pal, can you help me with this?
Ei, cara, você pode me ajudar com isso?
3. a partner or associate in an activity or venture
My pal and I started a business together.
Meu sócio e eu começamos um negócio juntos.
In American English, 'pal' is informal and friendly, often used in casual conversation or to address someone casually. It carries a warm, approachable tone. In Brazil, the equivalent 'amigo' is used more formally in many contexts, while slang alternatives like 'cara' or 'chapa' are preferred in very casual settings. The word reflects a casual American friendliness culture.
NYC Slang
homie, bro, my guy, fam
Synonyms / Sinônimos
friendbuddymatecompanioncomradeassociateacquaintance
Antonyms / Antônimos
enemyrivalfoestranger

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
amigo
most common translation; used universally across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cara, meu chapa
more colloquial and informal; reflects Rio slang
São Paulo
colega, parceiro
slightly more formal; commonly used in business contexts
Portugal
colega, tipo
Portuguese prefers 'colega' or 'tipo'; 'pal' is less commonly used

Related Words

friendshipcamaraderiecompanionshipbuddymateamigo

Related Idioms & Phrases

pal around - to spend time together as friends
be pals - to be friends with someone
pal up - to become friends or team up with someone
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