Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pareja | /paˈɾexa/ | feminine |
| emparejamiento | /empaɾexaˈmjento/ | masculine |
The word pareja refers to a pair of items or entities that have mutually suitable characteristics. It is also the standard word used to describe a romantic partner or a couple. When you want to describe the act of two things looking good together or complementing each other, such as colors or clothing, you use the phrase hacer juego.
Which one should you use?
While pareja can mean a match of two items, it is the standard word for a romantic partner or a couple. If you are referring to the process or the act of matching or pairing things together, use the noun emparejamiento.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, lucha can refer to a wrestling match.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun emparejamiento refers to the process or act of matching or pairing things together.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈɾexa/
Did you know?
- To say two things 'match' in color or style, Spanish speakers use the idiom hacer juego, which literally translates to 'to make a game'.
- In Spanish, pareja is a feminine noun regardless of whether the 'match' consists of two men, two women or a man and a woman.
- The word pareja comes from the Late Latin word pāriculus, which was a diminutive form of pār, meaning 'equal'.
Examples in context
- Somos la pareja perfecta.We are a perfect match.This sentence is useful for describing a perfect match using pareja.Tatoeba #2929137 by don_ramon, translation #2546303 by CK
- Creo que son una pareja perfecta.I believe they're a perfect match.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief about a perfect match using pareja.Tatoeba #1686417 by Shishir, translation #1676720 by Spamster
- Estoy ansioso por ver el partido de fútbol esta noche.I'm excited to watch the soccer match tonight.
- Ese encuentro diplomático fue crucial para las relaciones internacionales.That diplomatic encounter was crucial for international relations.
- ¡Vaya partidazo de tenis! ¿Has visto los increíbles puntos que han jugado?What an exciting tennis match! Have you seen the amazing points they've played?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at a couple at a party.
- AlejandroMira a esos dos, son una pareja ideal.Look at those two, they are an ideal match.
- ElenaTienes razón, se ven muy felices juntos.You're right, they look very happy together.
- AlejandroParece que se complementan muy bien.It seems they complement each other very well.
- ElenaSí, son la pareja más dulce del grupo.Yes, they are the sweetest match in the group.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “match” translations and entries pareja, emparejamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emparejamiento, pareja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
