Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compañero (de trabajo) | /kompaˈɲeɾo de tɾaˈbaxo/ (word by word) | masculine |
| compañera (de trabajo) | /kompaˈɲeɾa de tɾaˈbaxo/ (word by word) | feminine |
The term compañero (de trabajo) is used to describe someone you work with. While the word compañero on its own can mean any companion or partner, adding de trabajo clarifies that the relationship is specifically professional. This distinguishes a coworker from a compañero de clase (classmate) or a compañero de cuarto (roommate).
What does it mean word for word?
The word compañero literally means 'companion' or 'partner'.
Which one should you use?
compañero (de trabajo) is the masculine form, used when referring to a male coworker. compañera (de trabajo) is the feminine form, used when referring to a female coworker.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a group of male coworkers or a mixed-gender group of coworkers, use the plural form compañeros. If you are referring to a group consisting only of female coworkers, use compañeras.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaˈɲeɾo de tɾaˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- The word compañero is deeply linked to the concept of eating together. It derives from pan, meaning 'bread', reflecting an ancient idea that a true companion is someone with whom you share a meal.
- In many Spanish-speaking workplaces, calling someone compañero without the 'de trabajo' qualifier can sound overly intimate or even political, as it is frequently used to denote a comrade in activist or labor movements.
- In Spain, the word compañero is frequently used to describe a romantic partner or spouse in a non-legal sense. This is a common way to describe a long-term relationship without using the word for 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'.
Examples in context
- En la reunión de hoy, hablaremos de los proyectos con nuestros colegas.In today's meeting, we will discuss the projects with our coworkers.
- El nuevo compañero de trabajo se está adaptando rápidamente al equipo.The new coworker is quickly adapting to the team.
- ¿Alguien quiere almorzar conmigo? ¡Vamos, compis!Does anyone want to have lunch with me? Come on, coworkers!
- Hola, colega. ¿Necesitas ayuda con el informe?Hi, coworker. Do you need help with the report?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coworker” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (compañero, de, trabajo, compañera) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
