Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colega | /koˈleɡa/ | feminine, masculine |
| compañero | /kompaˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
Spanish speakers use different terms depending on the nature of the relationship. colega is used when emphasizing a professional peer or someone in the same field of expertise. In a general workplace setting, the phrase compañero de trabajo is a very common way to specify a colleague or coworker. For a more informal and friendly way to refer to a colleague, you can use amigo/amiga de trabajo, which translates to 'work friend'.
Which one should you use?
Use colega to highlight a professional connection or someone sharing the same profession. Use compañero to refer to a coworker or someone you work alongside, which often implies a closer or more general working relationship than the professional nuance of colega.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang terms compi and compi de curro are common specifically in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun colega is epicene, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine genders. The gender is indicated only by the article, such as la colega for a female colleague.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈleɡa/
Did you know?
- The word compañero shares a root with the English word 'companion' and originally described people who shared the same bread.
- While 'colleague' in English is almost always neutral, using compañero in certain political contexts in Latin America can imply a specific ideological alignment, such as a comrade.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone colega in a very informal or street-level context can actually function as a slang term for 'dude' or 'mate' rather than a professional peer.
Examples in context
- Él es mi colega.He is my colleague.This sentence uses colega to identify a male colleague.Tatoeba #1214358 by marcelostockle, translation #1700362 by mookeee
- Ve y habla con mi compañero.Go and speak to my colleague.This sentence uses compañero to refer to a male colleague.Tatoeba #1608700 by teskmon, translation #5943 by Zifre
- Tenemos a un colega en España.We have a colleague in Spain.This sentence uses colega to mention a colleague located in Spain.Tatoeba #1628204 by marcelostockle, translation #466658 by FeuDRenais
- Buen trabajo, compañera de trabajo. Estoy impresionado con tus habilidades.Good job, workmate. I'm impressed with your skills.
- ¿Qué tal, compi de curro? ¿Te gustaría tomar un café después del trabajo?How's it going, work buddy? Would you like to grab a coffee after work?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a new person at work.
- Javier¿Quién es el hombre nuevo?Who is the new man?
- ElenaEs un colega de mi antiguo trabajo.He is a colleague from my old job.
- JavierParece una persona muy amable.He seems like a very kind person.
- ElenaSí, es un colega excelente.Yes, he is an excellent colleague.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “colleague” translations and entries colega, compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colega, compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
