A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "We should be friends" in Spanish
Suggest becoming friends in a friendly, non-committal way. Use when you like someone but aren't ready for romance.
Deberíamos ser amigos
deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs sehr ah-MEE-gohsneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
This is perfect for when you've met someone new and feel a good connection, but you want to keep things light and see where it goes. It's a gentle way to suggest friendship without pressure.
Alternatives
- Podríamos ser amigosSlightly softer, implying more of a possibility.
- Me gustaría que fuéramos amigosMore direct about your personal desire for friendship.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'deber' too strongly
'Deber' can imply obligation; 'deberíamos' is a softer suggestion, not a demand.
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'
Use 'ser' for identity and permanent qualities like being friends.
A small cultural note
In some Latin American cultures, suggesting friendship can be a very genuine opening for a relationship, not necessarily a 'friend zone' scenario.
Frequently asked
When is 'deberíamos ser amigos' used?
Use this when you've met someone and feel a connection, but want to keep things casual. It's a good way to suggest friendship without romantic pressure.
Is 'deberíamos ser amigos' too direct?
It's generally considered a polite and friendly suggestion. If you want to be even softer, you could use 'Podríamos ser amigos'.
Does 'deberíamos ser amigos' mean I don't like them romantically?
Not necessarily. It's a way to express interest in getting to know someone better without immediately defining the relationship as romantic.
