from the Spanish compadre, literally “godfather”
The words kumpare and kumpadre in the Philippines refer to close male friends, particularly for the type of friendship that is strengthened by the fact that one is the godfather of the other’s child.
Almost every Catholic infant in the Philippines undergoes church baptism, during which time godparents are appointed who will be entrusted with being the second parents or guardians of the child in case something happens to the parents.
It’s usually a strong relationship all around, although there are famous people like celebrities and politicians who end up being godparents to dozens of children whom they barely know.
The godfather can also be called padrino and the godmother padrina.
It’s common for close adult friends to refer to each other as kumpare.
Uy, kumpare. Kamusta na?
Hey, buddy. How have you been?
Kumpare ko ito.
This is my buddy.
The female equivalent is kumadre / kumare, from the Spanish comadre.
KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
kumpáre: kompadre
kompádre: nínong
kompádre: matalik na kaibigan
nínong: laláking isponsor sa binyag, kumpil, at kasal
