mate
Significado: A friend (British informal); a partner or spouse; to breed (animals)
Mate has several meanings. In British and Australian English, it's an informal word for a friend. It can also mean a partner or spouse, especially in the term 'soulmate.' In biology, animals mate when they breed. On ships, a 'first mate' is the captain's second-in-command.
Ejemplos
- All right, mate? How's it going? 怎么样,老兄?一切都好吗?¿Qué tal, colega? ¿Cómo te va?元気かい、友よ?調子はどう?잘 지내, 친구? 어떻게 지내?
- She finally found her perfect mate after years of searching. 经过多年的寻找,她终于找到了完美的伴侣。Finalmente encontró su pareja perfecta después de años de búsqueda.彼女は何年も探した末、ついに完璧なパートナーを見つけました。그녀는 수년간 찾아 헤맨 끝에 마침내 완벽한 반려자를 만났습니다.
- These birds mate for life and stay together. 这些鸟终生交配,相伴一生。Estas aves se aparean de por vida y permanecen juntas.これらの鳥は生涯つがいで、一緒にいます。이 새들은 평생 짝을 이루어 함께 지냅니다.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: general
Tono: neutral
Origen e historia
From Middle Low German 'mate' meaning 'a messmate, companion', from Proto-Germanic 'ga-matjon' (having food together), from 'ga-' (together) + 'matiz' (food). Related to 'meat' (originally 'food' in general). A mate was someone you ate with.
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Historia y curiosidades
The word 'mate' comes from Middle Low German 'gemate' meaning 'messmate' (someone you share food with). This explains why it evolved to mean both a friend and a partner - both are people you share your life with.
Más de este tema
More from Abstract Concepts
Tarjetas, cuestionarios, audio y repetición espaciada — todo gratis