colega
/koˈleɡa/
The Spanish word for pal is colega.
colega can be used to mean a friend or a pal, but it also literally refers to a colleague or coworker.
Meaning: (colloquial) a friend (noun)
Which one should you use?
While colega is used colloquially to mean 'pal', its literal meaning is 'colleague' or 'coworker'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using colega as a synonym for 'pal' or 'mate' is colloquial. Depending on the context, it can sometimes carry a slightly patronizing or sarcastic tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of colega is colegas, which means colleagues or pals.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈleɡa/
Did you know?
- Using colega to address a stranger in certain street slang can actually signal a confrontation rather than a friendly greeting.
- The word colega is a common-gender noun, meaning it stays the same whether the pal is male or female. You only change the article to el colega or la colega.
- While colega is common in Spain, a person from Mexico or Argentina might prefer compadre or che to mean 'pal'. Using colega in Latin America often retains its strict meaning of 'coworker'.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, amigo! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, pal! How are you?
- ¿Quieres salir a pasear, compañero?Do you want to go for a walk, pal?
- Es un buen colega.He is a good pal.
- ¿Cómo está tu colega?How is your pal?
- Ese es mi colega de siempre.That is my lifelong pal.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- María¿Has visto a mi colega?Have you seen my pal?
- MateoNo, no lo he visto hoy.No, I haven't seen him today.
- MaríaEs un colega muy divertido.He is a very funny pal.
- MateoSí, lo sé muy bien.Yes, I know that very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry colega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
