Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| camarada | /kamaˈɾada/ | |
| compañero | /kompaˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
The term camarada carries a strong political connotation and is typically used by members of leftist or revolutionary political movements. In contrast, compañero is a much more common word used in everyday life to mean a companion, partner or colleague.
Which one should you use?
While camarada is often used in political or military contexts, compañero is used for a wide range of everyday relationships. For example, if you want to say 'classmate', you should use compañero de clase rather than camarada.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, compañero is a common way to say 'comrade'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word camarada is an invariable noun, meaning it does not change its form to indicate gender. You use el camarada for a male and la camarada for a female. The word compañero is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamaˈɾada/
Did you know?
- The word compañero is an etymological relative of the English word 'company', as both stem from the idea of sharing bread together.
- The word camarada is derived from cámara, meaning 'chamber' or 'room'. It originally referred to someone who shared the same room or quarters.
- Depending on the region, compañero can be shortened to compa in very informal speech, similar to how 'mate' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Él es un viejo camarada de guerra.He is an old comrade from the war.
Example conversation
Two friends are introducing each other to a mutual acquaintance.
- AlejandroLucía, te presento a mi camarada de la universidad.Lucía, I introduce you to my comrade from university.
- LucíaMucho gusto, es un placer conocerte.Nice to meet you, it's a pleasure to meet you.
- AlejandroÉl fue un camarada muy leal en clase.He was a very loyal companion in class.
- LucíaMe alegra que tengas buenos amigos, Alejandro.I am glad you have good friends, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “comrade” translations and entries camarada, compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camarada, compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
