matey

word

Definition

An informal, old-fashioned word meaning 'friend' or 'companion', often used in pirate stories or as a playful way to address someone.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and playful; strongly associated with pirate speech ("Ahoy, matey!"). Rarely used in everyday English except as a joke or in themed settings. Not to be confused with 'mate' (common in UK English for friend or buddy).

Spanish: amigo - colega (informal, marítimo)Portuguese (BR): amigo - companheiro (informal, marítimo)Portuguese (PT): amigo - companheiro (informal, marítimo)Chinese (Simplified): 伙计 - 伙伴 (俚语，常用于海盗语)Chinese (Traditional): 夥計 - 夥伴 (俚語，常用於海盜語)Hindi: दोस्त - साथी (अनौपचारिक, समुद्री शब्द)Arabic: يا صديق - يا زميل (عامية، تستخدم في سياق بحري)Bengali: সহযাত্রী - সাথি (খেলাঘর/পাইরেট প্রসঙ্গ)Russian: приятель (пиратский стиль) - дружище (игриво)Japanese: 相棒（あいぼう） - 仲間（なかま）（海賊風に）Vietnamese: bạn đồng hành (kiểu hải tặc) - bạn ơi (chơi đùa)Korean: 짝궁 (해적 말투) - 친구 (장난스럽게)Turkish: ahbap (korsan tarzı) - dostum (şakacı şekilde)Urdu: یار (مذاق، قزاق انداز)Indonesian: sobat (gaya bajak laut) - kawan (bercanda)

Example Sentences

The pirate shouted, "Ahoy, matey!"

basic

Come aboard, matey.

basic

Thank you, matey!

basic

Cheer up, matey, it's not the end of the world.

natural

Alright, matey, let's find that treasure.

natural

You did a great job, matey!

natural