Mate vs Spouse

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Mate

Informal Top 2,000 (common) B2 noun

Spouse

Top 3,000 (common) C1 noun

Most formal: Spouse Most common: Mate

	Mate	Spouse
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/meɪt/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/meɪt/"]/	🇬🇧 //spaʊs// 🇺🇸 //spaʊs//
Meaning	A friend or companion.	A person's husband or wife.
Example	He's my best mate from university.	She introduced her spouse to her friends at the party.
Register	Informal	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR level	B2	C1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	best, good, have, potential, prospective, ideal, attract, find, choose	life partner, marital spouse, spousal support
Antonyms	enemy, rival	stranger, enemy, single
Common mistakes	Confused with 'mate' as a verb – remember it's mostly a noun., Overusing it in formal situations., Misunderstanding its regional use; not common in all English-speaking countries.	Using 'spouse' for a partner in a non-marital relationship., Confusing 'spouse' with 'partner,' which can refer to various types of relationships., Not using it in an appropriate formal context.
Usage notes	Used mainly in casual conversations, especially in British English or Australian English. It may be less appropriate in formal settings. Avoid using with strangers in professional contexts.	Used to refer to a partner in marriage. More common in formal contexts; in casual settings, 'husband' or 'wife' is often used instead.

See it in real clips

Ted Lasso › S1 E1

Mate, you are a legend for doing something so stupid.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

See you, mate.

Ted Lasso › S1 E1

Oi, mate. This you?

Ted Lasso › S1 E1

Mate, you are a legend for doing something so stupid.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

See you, mate.

Mate

Frequently asked questions: Mate vs Spouse

What's the difference between Mate and Spouse?

Mate: A friend or companion. Spouse: A person's husband or wife.

Which is more formal: Mate and Spouse?

Spouse is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Mate and Spouse?

Mate is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Mate and Spouse?

Spouse is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Mate and Spouse the same CEFR level?

Mate: B2, Spouse: C1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Mate and Spouse?

Mate: noun, Spouse: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Mate: He's my best mate from university. Spouse: She introduced her spouse to her friends at the party.

Can I use Mate and Spouse interchangeably?

Not always. Mate and Spouse are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.