Pana has multiple meanings in English. In Spanish, it is used as a slang term for friend or pal, mainly by Latinos from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. In Chile, it means liver or breakdown when referring to a car. In the Andes, it is used to mean guts or courage. In the US, it is also used as a slang term for corduroy. Pana can also refer to a variety of other things, including an ancient Indian coin, a village in Burkina Faso, and a song by Tekno.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Translation | "Pana" has multiple meanings and translations depending on the context and region. |
Gender | Masculine and/or feminine noun |
Origin | Spanish, Venezuelan, Chilean |
Meaning | Friend, pal, buddy, chum, mate, companion, partner |
Meaning (Chile) | Breakdown (of a car or machine), liver, guts, courage |
Other Meanings | Corduroy (fabric), velveteen, snow knife, grass cutter, a god in Inuit religion, an ancient Indian coin |
Usage | Informal, colloquial, slang |
Regional Usage | Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Andes, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Latin America, United States, United Kingdom |
What You'll Learn
- 'Pana' is used in Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Andes to mean friend or buddy
- In Chile, pana means liver or breakdown when referring to a car or machine
- In the Philippines, pana is used for Indians
- In the US, pana is used as slang, similar to bro or dude
- Pana is also used to refer to a snow knife in Inuktitut
'Pana' is used in Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Andes to mean friend or buddy
"Pana" is a colloquial term used in Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Andes to refer to a friend or buddy. It is a masculine and feminine noun that originated in Venezuela and is now commonly used in the aforementioned countries. The word is derived from the word "panaderia," which means "bakery" in Spanish. After World War II, many Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese, and some French people migrated to Venezuela, opening bakeries where people could socialise over coffee and pastries. As a result, the expression "Que paso panaderia!" ("What's up, buddy!") became popular among friends hanging out in bakeries. Over time, the expression evolved into "Que paso pana!" and eventually, "pana" became a standalone term for a friend or buddy.
In addition to its usage in Venezuela, "pana" is also commonly used in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Andes. In these regions, "pana" is a colloquial term for a friend or buddy, equivalent to the American slang "buddy" or the British slang "mate." For example, one might say, "¡Hola, pana! ¿Qué onda?" ("Hey, buddy! How's it going?") or "Escucha, pana, no queremos ningún problema aquí" ("Listen, pal, we don't want any trouble here").
The word "pana" is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts. For instance, it can be used to address a close friend or casually refer to an acquaintance. Additionally, "pana" can be used regardless of gender, as it is a masculine and feminine noun. This makes it a convenient and inclusive term when referring to friends or acquaintances of any gender.
While the primary meaning of "pana" is friend or buddy, it can also take on other meanings depending on the context and region. For example, in Chile, "pana" can refer to a breakdown, as in "quedamos en pana," which means "we broke down." In the same country, it can also refer to the liver or guts.
In summary, "pana" is a colloquial term used in several Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Andes, to refer to a friend or buddy. It is a versatile and inclusive word that can be used regardless of gender and has become an integral part of the slang vocabulary in these regions.
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In Chile, pana means liver or breakdown when referring to a car or machine
In Chile, the word "pana" has several meanings depending on the context. When referring to a car or machine, "pana" can mean a breakdown or malfunction. For example, the phrase "quedamos en pana" translates to "we broke down" or "we had a breakdown." This usage of the word "pana" conveys the idea of being stranded or immobilized due to a mechanical issue.
In addition to its mechanical connotation, "pana" in Chile also refers to liver, specifically in the context of cuisine or food. This usage is distinct from its mechanical meaning and is often used to discuss the consumption or preparation of liver as a food item.
It is worth noting that the word "pana" has different meanings in other Spanish-speaking regions. For instance, in Venezuela, "pana" is used informally to address a friend or buddy, similar to the usage of "mate" in British English or "chum" in American English. This demonstrates the richness and variation of the Spanish language across different countries and cultural contexts.
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In the Philippines, pana is used for Indians
In the Philippines, the term "pana" is used to refer to people of Indian origin. This usage is specifically noted by a user on Urban Dictionary, a crowdsourced online dictionary. While the term "pana" has several other meanings in different contexts, its usage in the Philippines to refer to Indians is distinct and notable.
The Philippines has a long history of connection with India, dating back to pre-colonial times. Indian merchants, traders, and slaves from South India and Bengal were present in the Philippines regularly, even before the arrival of the Spanish. Over time, Indian soldiers, sepoys, and immigrants from various parts of India have also settled in the country, contributing to the Indian-Filipino community.
According to the National Geographic's DNA study, around 3% of the average Filipino's genes are of South Asian origin, indicating a significant presence of Indian descent among the Filipino population. This is further supported by other genetic studies that found Indian mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in the Philippines.
The use of the term "pana" for Indians in the Philippines may have emerged due to the long-standing cultural and historical ties between the two regions. However, it's important to note that the origin and exact usage of this term within the Filipino context may vary and evolve over time.
In addition to "pana," another commonly used term for people of Indian origin in the Philippines is "Bumbay." According to Professor Joefe Santarita, an expert on Indian Studies, the term "Bumbay" likely originated from Bombay (now known as Mumbai), which was the place of departure for many Punjabis and Sikhs migrating to the Philippines. While some people of Indian origin in the Philippines may not find the term offensive, it is important to recognize that others may consider it derogatory or sarcastic.
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In the US, pana is used as slang, similar to bro or dude
Pana has several meanings in English, depending on the context and region. In the US, pana is used as slang, similar to "bro" or "dude". It is commonly used to address a friend or a buddy. The word is particularly associated with Latinos from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, where it is used as a colloquial term for a close acquaintance or companion.
The usage of "pana" as a slang term for a friend is also recognised in the United Kingdom, where it is akin to saying "mate". This usage is reflected in translations of the term from Spanish to English in several online dictionaries.
The word "pana" has a rich etymology and multiple meanings in various regions. In Chile, for example, "pana" is used to refer to a breakdown, particularly of a car or machine. In this context, the phrase "quedar en pana" means "to break down". In the same country, "pana" is also used to refer to the liver, or colloquially, to describe someone's courage or guts.
In Venezuela, "pana" is more than just a friend or buddy; it denotes a close relationship, similar to a partner. This usage is reflected in the expression "mi pana," which can be translated as "my partner." The word's origin in this context is interesting, stemming from the post-World War II era when Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French immigrants settled in Venezuela and opened bakeries that became popular hangout spots. People would greet each other by saying, "Que paso panaderia!" which eventually evolved into "Que paso pana!" over time.
"Pana" also has specific meanings in other regions. In the Andes region, it is used as a form of address, similar to saying "pal" or "buddy." In the Caribbean, it is used as a masculine and feminine noun meaning "pal" or "buddy."
Beyond its usage in Spanish, "pana" has other meanings in different contexts. It is the name of a village in Burkina Faso, a town in Illinois, and Ontario, Canada. In telecommunications, PANA stands for "Plain ANAlog loop Alarm circuit." In Inuktitut, "pana" refers to a snow knife. It is also the name of a god in Inuit religion and a language spoken in the Central African Republic and Hunan, China.
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Pana is also used to refer to a snow knife in Inuktitut
"Pana" has several meanings in English, depending on the context and the language. In Spanish, "pana" is used as a colloquial term for "friend" or "pal", especially in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. In the Philippines, "pana" is used to refer to Indians. In Chile, "pana" can refer to a breakdown, the liver, or guts.
In the context of the Inuktitut language, "pana" refers to a snow knife, a tool used in the construction of igloos or snow houses by the Inuit people of the Arctic. The snow knife is also used as a weapon and has a practical function as a substitute for the snow-tester. The original snow knives were made from available materials such as bone, horn, or ivory, featuring a slightly curved blade. After the arrival of Europeans, the Inuit started using metal, particularly steel, to make the blades of their snow knives.
The snow knife is an essential tool for building igloos, which are temporary shelters constructed during prolonged hunting trips in the winter. The Inuit people use the snow knife to cut and trim blocks of snow from snowbanks, forming a dome with a single spiral design. The knife's broad-bladed, curved shape and long handle make it ideal for this purpose.
The snow knife, also known as the snow saw or "pana", has cultural and historical significance for the Inuit people. It is one of the few tools used in the construction of their traditional snow houses and has been adapted over time with the introduction of new materials. The design and construction of snow knives vary across different regions, with some featuring hammered copper blades or handles made from musk-ox horn.
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Frequently asked questions
The English translation of "pana" is "friend", "pal", Chum, "buddy", or "mate".
The feminine translation of "pana" is "corduroy", referring to a type of fabric or clothing.
The masculine translation of "pana" is also a colloquial term for "liver" or "guts".
"Pana" is commonly used in Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. It is also used in the United States and the United Kingdom.
"Pana" is often used as a form of address or to refer to a friend. For example, "Hey, pana, how's it going?" or "I've known my pana since kindergarten."