par
/ˈpaɾ/
The English word "pair" can be translated into Spanish as par.
It is frequently used in the construction par de before a noun to indicate a pair of something. In colloquial Spanish, un par is often used to mean "a few" or "a couple of" (e.g., un par de días), even if the exact number isn't strictly two.
Meaning: two people in a relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While par can mean a pair, pareja is the much more common and natural word used to refer specifically to a romantic couple or a partner in a relationship. Dupla is a formal term often referring to a pair in the context of work or sports. Tándem is a formal term used to describe a pair that works together, particularly in sports or specific activities.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using par to mean a pair of objects or people, it is almost always used in the construction un par de [noun].
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use par to mean 'partner' (as in a romantic partner). In that context, pareja is the correct term.
Did you know?
- The English word 'peer' shares the same Latin root as par, both stemming from the idea of being 'equal' or 'on the same level'.
- In certain dialects, un par can be used hyperbolically to mean 'a lot' in a sarcastic sense, similar to saying 'give me a second' when you actually need ten minutes.
- In Spanish, using par to describe two people can sometimes imply they are a 'matching set' of troublemakers or fools, rather than a romantic couple.
Examples in context
- Dos son un par.Two is a pair.This sentence illustrates how two items constitute a pair using par.Tatoeba #5138242 by don_ramon, translation #5165288 by tabular
- ¡Qué par de tarados!What a pair of morons!This sentence uses par to describe a pair of people in a derogatory way.Tatoeba #1334842 by marcelostockle, translation #1334788 by Scott
- Compré un par de botas.I bought a pair of boots.This sentence shows how to use the construction un par de with a noun.Tatoeba #2313777 by marcelostockle, translation #255500 by CK
- El rey y la reina son una pareja felizThe king and queen are a happy couple
- Ellos forman una dupla muy exitosaThey form a very successful pair
- Este tándem de jugadores es imbatibleThis pair of players is unbeatable
- Necesito un par de calcetines nuevosI need a pair of new socks
- Compré un par de zapatos nuevosI bought a pair of new shoes
- El dúo de cantantes dio un increíble conciertoThe singing duo gave an incredible concert
- par de zapatosPair of shoes
- Vamos a bailar en parejaWe are going to dance as a couple
- Necesito un par de guantes para el inviernoI need a pair of gloves for winter
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about some friends at a party.
- JavierMira a Luis y Ana, hacen un buen par.Look at Luis and Ana, they make a good pair.
- MaríaSí, se ven muy felices juntos.Yes, they look very happy together.
- JavierSon el par más romántico del grupo.They are the most romantic pair in the group.
- MaríaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry par, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries par, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
