pareja
/paˈɾexa/
The English phrase "significant other" is translated into Spanish as pareja.
Pareja is used to refer to a person's romantic partner, such as a spouse or a long-term boyfriend or girlfriend.
Which one should you use?
While pareja is the standard way to say "significant other" or "partner", it is more neutral and less formal than cónyuge, which is the most accurate term to refer to a legally married partner in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pareja is a noun that can be used for both male and female romantic partners.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈɾexa/
When do people say it?
The informal expression media naranja literally means "half an orange" and is used to describe a significant other.
Did you know?
- The word pareja is also used to describe a pair of dancers or tennis partners. It emphasizes the idea of two people acting as a single unit or a match.
- The term pareja is derived from the Late Latin pāriculus, which was a diminutive of pār, meaning 'equal'.
- Using the term mi pareja can be a strategic choice to keep the exact legal status of a relationship ambiguous, whether it is a casual courtship or a legal marriage.
Examples in context
- Mi pareja y yo estamos muy contentos de poder asistir a este evento juntos.My partner and I are very happy to be able to attend this event together.
- mi parejaMy partner
- Ella es mi pareja.She is my partner.
- Mi pareja y yo vamos al cine.My partner and I are going to the cinema.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a wedding invitation.
- MateoElena, ¿puedes venir con tu pareja?Elena, can you come with your significant other?
- ElenaSí, mi pareja estará encantada de ir.Yes, my significant other would be delighted to go.
- Mateo¡Qué bueno! Será un gusto conocerla.That's great! It will be a pleasure to meet her.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo. Nos vemos pronto.Thanks, Mateo. See you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pareja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pareja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
