compañero de piso
/kompaɲeɾo de piso/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'roommate' is translated into Spanish as compañero de piso.
The term refers to a person with whom one shares an apartment or house.
Meaning: US: with whom one shares an apartment or house (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, compañero de piso means 'companion of the floor', where 'floor' refers to the apartment or level of a building.
Which one should you use?
While compañero de piso implies sharing an apartment, compañero de cuarto specifically implies sharing the same bedroom.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Compañero/a de cuarto is a variant common in Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico. Additionally, the anglicism roomie is used informally in certain Latin American regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the feminine form compañera de piso if the roommate is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaɲeɾo de piso/
Did you know?
- The word compañero shares a common root with the English word 'company', as both stem from the idea of those who share bread together.
- The word compañero can also mean 'boyfriend' or 'partner' depending on the context and country, which can lead to confusion if you are only talking about a roommate.
- In some contexts, calling someone your compañero without a qualifier like 'de piso' could imply you are a comrade or a fellow member of a political group.
Examples in context
- Tengo un problema con mi compañero de piso: que se come toda mi comida.I have a problem with my roommate. He eats all my food.This sentence shows how to use compañero de piso when discussing a problem with a roommate.Tatoeba #2707288 by Shishir, translation #3186686 by AlanF_US
- Vivo con mi compañero de piso.I live with my roommate.This sentence demonstrates how to use compañero de piso to state that you live with someone.Tatoeba #2764797 by estambulista, translation #2764786 by _undertoad
- Mi compañera de piso es muy amableMy roommate is very kind
- Hoy salgo con mis rumisI'm going out with my roomies
- Busco un compañero de cuarto para compartir gastosI'm looking for a roommate to share expenses
- Mi compañero de habitación deja sus cosas siempre ordenadasMy roommate always keeps his things tidy
- Mi compañero de piso es muy amable.My roommate is very kind.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their living situations.
- Elena¿Vives solo o con alguien?Do you live alone or with someone?
- JavierVivo con un compañero de piso.I live with a roommate.
- Elena¿Te llevas bien con él?Do you get along with him?
- JavierSí, es un buen compañero de piso.Yes, he is a good roommate.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compañero, de, piso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
