Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compañero | /kompaˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
| compañera | /kompaˈɲeɾa/ | feminine |
| cousín | /kouˈsin/ | Nicaragua, masculine |
| parcero | /paɾˈθeɾo/ /paɾˈseɾo/ |
masculine |
| asere | /aˈseɾe/ | masculine |
| acere | /aˈθeɾe/ /aˈseɾe/ |
masculine |
| chero | /ˈt͡ʃeɾo/ | masculine |
A companion is someone with whom one spends time or keeps company. In certain contexts, this word is used to describe specific types of companions: compañero de clase means classmate and compañero de trabajo means coworker.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the gender of the person being described or the specific slang and regional context being used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While compañero and compañera are standard, you may encounter informal variations like the slang parcero, asere or acere. Additionally, colega can be used informally to refer to a companion or colleague.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Several regional terms exist: in Nicaragua, cousín is used for a companion or friend. In Cuba, the slang asere or acere refers to a companion or friend. In Colombia, the slang parcero is used for a companion or buddy. And in Mexican Spanish, mano is a slang term for buddy or pal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form compañero is the masculine form, used for a male companion or when referring to a mixed-gender group. The form compañera is the feminine form, used specifically for a female companion.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaˈɲeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word compañero shares a deep history with the English word 'companion', as both stem from the idea of sharing bread together.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone compañero in a political context can imply they are a comrade in a specific movement or struggle.
- In Mexico, the term mano is a shortened version of hermano, which means 'brother'.
Examples in context
- El padre y su compañera sembrarán de maiz la siguiente colina.Father and his companion will sow corn on the next hill.This sentence shows the use of compañera to describe a female companion.Tatoeba #5824673 by albrusgher, translation #4655092 by Josefwintzent
- Un cirujano vive con la muerte, es su compañera inseparable, con ella me voy de la mano.A surgeon lives with Death, his inseparable companion – I walk hand in hand with him.This sentence illustrates how compañera can be used to describe an inseparable female companion.Tatoeba #1417347 by hayastan, translation #1559770 by sam_m
- El ajedrez es un buen compañero de por vida.Chess is a good companion for life.This sentence demonstrates using compañero to describe a non-human companion.Tatoeba #9988989 by carlosalberto, translation #9988992 by carlosalberto
- Él es mi compañero de trabajo.He is my work companion.
- ¿Quieres ser mi amigo?Do you want to be my friend/companion?
- Voy a salir con mis colegas esta noche.I'm going out with my companions/colleagues tonight.
- Oye, mano, ¿vienes a la fiesta?Hey, buddy, are you coming to the party?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a new coworker.
- ElenaHola Alejandro, ¿quién es tu nuevo compañero?Hello Alejandro, who is your new companion?
- AlejandroSe llama Luis y es muy amable.His name is Luis and he is very kind.
- ElenaParece un buen compañero de trabajo.He seems like a good work companion.
- AlejandroSí, nos llevamos muy bien.Yes, we get along very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “companion” translations and entries compañero, compañera, cousín, parcero, asere, acere, chero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compañero, parcero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
