Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pareja | /paˈɾexa/ | feminine |
| compañero | /kompaˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
The term used depends on the nature of the relationship. Pareja is used for a romantic or domestic partner or spouse, and it can also refer to a couple. Compañero is used for a partner in a non-romantic sense, such as a teammate, colleague or companion. For business contexts, use Socio/a for a business partner or shareholder and use copartícipe in formal legal or financial contexts to denote someone who shares responsibilities and risks.
Which one should you use?
Use pareja when specifically referring to a romantic or domestic partner. Use compañero to refer to a general partner, such as a companion or teammate.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pareja is a feminine noun and does not change gender to refer to a male partner. The masculine form compañero changes to compañera when referring to a female partner or companion.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈɾexa/
Did you know?
- While pareja refers to a romantic partner, it is also the standard word for 'pair' when talking about shoes or socks.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, compañero is used as a political term to address fellow party members, similar to 'comrade' in English.
- The word pareja is actually a diminutive of a much older Latin term for 'equal', making the modern word for 'partner' literally a 'little equal'.
Examples in context
- No tengo un compañero.I don't have a partner.This sentence uses compañero to express the absence of a partner.Tatoeba #7918538 by arh, translation #6271854 by CK
- ¿Quieres ser mi compañero?Do you want to be my partner?This sentence uses compañero to ask someone to be a partner.Tatoeba #2081546 by marcelostockle, translation #2013484 by CK
- Quiero que seas mi compañero.I want you to be my partner.This sentence uses compañero to express a desire for someone to be a partner.Tatoeba #1265434 by marcelostockle, translation #1265410 by Scott
- Somos copartícipes en este proyectoWe are partners in this project.
- Ella es mi socia en la empresaShe is my business partner in the company.
- Ella es mi noviaShe is my girlfriend.
- Mi media naranja está en EspañaMy soulmate is in Spain.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a party invitation.
- María¿Vas a venir con tu pareja?Are you coming with your partner?
- JavierSí, ella quiere venir a la fiesta.Yes, she wants to come to the party.
- MaríaQué bien, me alegro mucho por ti.That's great, I'm very happy for you.
- JavierGracias, María. Ella es una gran pareja.Thanks, María. She is a great partner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “partner” translations and entries pareja, compañero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compañero, pareja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
