Meaning
To be inseparable friends who are always together.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'ser muy amigos' often involves 'ir de cañas' (going for beers) or 'tapear' (eating tapas) together. The friendship is maintained through frequent, informal social gatherings. In Mexico, the term 'cuate' or 'compas' is often used alongside 'ser muy amigos'. There is a strong emphasis on loyalty and 'echarse la mano' (helping each other out). Argentina celebrates 'Día del Amigo' (Friend's Day) on July 20th. Being 'muy amigos' is a major social pillar, often centered around 'asados' (barbecues). In Colombia, 'ser muy amigos' is often expressed as being 'parceros'. It implies a deep, street-level bond of brotherhood.
The 'Ser' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember to use 'SER'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Gender Matters
If you are a girl talking about your female best friend, you MUST say 'somos muy amigas'. Using 'amigos' would imply you are a boy or in a mixed group.
Meaning
To be inseparable friends who are always together.
The 'Ser' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember to use 'SER'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Gender Matters
If you are a girl talking about your female best friend, you MUST say 'somos muy amigas'. Using 'amigos' would imply you are a boy or in a mixed group.
Add 'desde'
To sound more natural, always add how long you've been friends: 'Somos muy amigos desde la universidad'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'ser' and 'amigo/a'.
María y Ana (ser) muy (amigo).
We use 'son' for 'they' and 'amigas' because María and Ana are female.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'We are very close friends'?
'Ser' is used for relationships, and 'muy' is the correct intensifier.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Conoces a Pedro? B: Sí, él y yo ______ desde niños.
'Somos muy amigos' fits the context of a long-term relationship.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your mom that your new classmate is your best friend.
'Somos muy amigos' expresses the closeness of a best friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMaría y Ana (ser) muy (amigo).
We use 'son' for 'they' and 'amigas' because María and Ana are female.
How do you say 'We are very close friends'?
'Ser' is used for relationships, and 'muy' is the correct intensifier.
A: ¿Conoces a Pedro? B: Sí, él y yo ______ desde niños.
'Somos muy amigos' fits the context of a long-term relationship.
You want to tell your mom that your new classmate is your best friend.
'Somos muy amigos' expresses the closeness of a best friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Adding 'buenos' (good) makes it even more emphatic. It's very common.
No, it is strictly platonic. If you want to imply romance, you would use other phrases like 'estamos saliendo'.
'Mucho' modifies nouns (quantity), while 'muy' modifies the implied adjective quality of the friendship.
Only if you actually have a personal friendship outside of work. Otherwise, it's too informal.
'Compañeros' are people you share a space with (classmates, coworkers). 'Amigos' are people you choose to be with.
Use the imperfect: 'Éramos muy amigos'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
Yes, it's very common to say 'mi gato y mi perro son muy amigos'.
It's a slightly more formal way to say 'a very close friend', often used in news or literature.
No, 'muy' is an adverb and never changes form.
Related Phrases
ser uña y carne
synonymTo be inseparable.
llevarse bien
similarTo get along well.
ser conocidos
contrastTo be acquaintances.
amigos con derechos
specialized formFriends with benefits.
