Buddy
Definition
Buddy refers to a close friend or companion. It can also be used informally to address someone in a friendly or casual manner. The term is often associated with friendship, camaraderie, or mutual support.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
- Verb
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbʌdi/
- Respelling: BUH-dee
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbʌdi/
- Respelling: BUH-dee
The pronunciation of "buddy" is the same in both American and British English.
Etymology
The word "buddy" is thought to originate from the American English slang term "brother," which became shortened to "bud" or "buddy" in the late 19th century. It was used as a casual term for a close friend or companion.
Derivatives
- Buddies (noun, plural)
- Buddying (verb, present participle)
- Buddy-buddy (adjective, informal)
- Best buddy (noun)
- Buddy up (verb)
Synonyms
- Friend
- Pal
- Companion
Antonyms
- Enemy
- Opponent
- Foe
Usage
The term "buddy" is widely used in informal contexts to refer to a friend or close associate. It is also commonly used in buddy systems, where individuals pair up for mutual assistance, safety, or companionship, such as in school activities or workplace support programs. Additionally, "buddy" can be used as a casual or friendly address, especially in North American English.
Related Terms
- Friend: A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
- Ally: A person who cooperates or associates with another for a common purpose.
- Partner: A person who takes part in an activity or relationship with another.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- A close friend or companion: Refers to someone with whom one has a strong, friendly connection.
- Example: "He’s my best buddy from college."
- A partner in a buddy system: Describes someone paired with another for safety, support, or companionship.
- Example: "In swimming class, we each have a buddy to ensure everyone stays safe."
Verb
- To act as a friend or companion: Refers to the act of being friendly or supportive toward someone.
- Example: "He often buddies up with new employees to help them adjust."
buddy
Mandarin (🇨🇳)
"Buddy" in Mandarin can mean a friend or companion, but it can also be a term used informally to address a male peer.
- 朋友 (Friend)
- IPA: /pʰʊŋ˧˥ jʊ˧˥/
- Respelling: pʰʊŋ˧˥-you
- 兄弟 (Brother, often used in an informal context)
- IPA: /ɕjʊŋ˥˩ ti˨˩˦/
- Respelling: sh-young-di
Hindi (🇮🇳)
The term "buddy" in Hindi can be translated as a friend or an informal way of addressing someone.
- दोस्त (Friend)
- IPA: /d̪oːst̪/
- Respelling: dost
- यार (Informal address)
- IPA: /jaːr/
- Respelling: yaar
Spanish (🇪🇸)
In Spanish, "buddy" can be translated as a friend or an informal term of address.
- Amigo (Friend)
- IPA: /aˈmiɣo/
- Respelling: a-mee-go
- Compañero (Companion)
- IPA: /kompaˈɲeɾo/
- Respelling: com-pan-yair-oh
French (🇫🇷)
The term "buddy" in French can be translated as a friend or an informal way to address someone.
- Ami (Friend)
- IPA: /ami/
- Respelling: a-mee
- Copain (Informal address)
- IPA: /kɔpɛ̃/
- Respelling: ko-pan
Modern Standard Arabic (🇸🇦)
"Buddy" in Arabic can refer to a friend or a companion.
- صديق (Friend)
- IPA: /sʕadiːq/
- Respelling: sa-deek
- رفيق (Companion)
- IPA: /rafiːq/
- Respelling: ra-feek
Bengali (🇧🇩)
In Bengali, "buddy" can be translated as a friend or as an informal address to a peer.
- বন্ধু (Friend)
- IPA: /bɔnd̪hu/
- Respelling: bon-dhu
- সখা (Informal address)
- IPA: /ʃɔkʰa/
- Respelling: shok-ha
Russian (🇷🇺)
In Russian, "buddy" can mean a friend or an informal way to address someone.
- друг (Friend)
- IPA: /druk/
- Respelling: drook
- приятель (Informal address)
- IPA: /prʲɪjˈætʲelʲ/
- Respelling: pree-yatel
Portuguese (🇵🇹)
In Portuguese, "buddy" can be translated as a friend or a term for a peer.
- Amigo (Friend)
- IPA: /ɐˈmiɣu/
- Respelling: a-mee-goo
- Camarada (Peer)
- IPA: /kɐmɐˈɾaðɐ/
- Respelling: ka-ma-rad-a
Indonesian (🇮🇩)
"Buddy" in Indonesian can refer to a friend or a companion.
- Teman (Friend)
- IPA: /təman/
- Respelling: te-man
- Sahabat (Companion)
- IPA: /sahabat/
- Respelling: sa-ha-bat
German (🇩🇪)
The term "buddy" in German can be translated as a friend or an informal way to address someone.
- Freund (Friend)
- IPA: /fʁɔʏ̯nt/
- Respelling: froynt
- Kumpel (Informal address)
- IPA: /ˈkʊmpl̩/
- Respelling: koom-pul
Japanese (🇯🇵)
In Japanese, "buddy" can be translated as a friend or as a term used to informally address a peer.
- 友達 (Friend)
- IPA: /tomodachi/
- Respelling: to-mo-da-chi
- 相棒 (Partner)
- IPA: /aiboː/
- Respelling: ai-bo
Vietnamese (🇻🇳)
"Buddy" in Vietnamese can refer to a friend or a companion.
- Bạn (Friend)
- IPA: /ɓaːn˧˧/
- Respelling: ban
- Đồng chí (Comrade, often used in a friendly context)
- IPA: /ɗoŋ˨˩ ji˧˧/
- Respelling: dong-chee
Korean (🇰🇷)
In Korean, "buddy" can be translated as a friend or a colleague.
- 친구 (Friend)
- IPA: /t͡ɕhinɡu/
- Respelling: chin-goo
- 동료 (Colleague)
- IPA: /doŋɾjo/
- Respelling: dong-ryo
Turkish (🇹🇷)
The term "buddy" in Turkish can be translated as a friend or an informal way to address someone.
- Arkadaş (Friend)
- IPA: /aɾkaˈdaʃ/
- Respelling: ar-ka-dash
- Dost (Informal address)
- IPA: /dost/
- Respelling: dost
Urdu (🇵🇰)
"Buddy" in Urdu can mean a friend or an informal term of address.
- دوست (Friend)
- IPA: /d̪oːst̪/
- Respelling: dost
- یار (Informal address)
- IPA: /jaːr/
- Respelling: yaar
