Two people wearing simple matching solid-color uniforms standing shoulder-to-shoulder, one resting a hand on the other's shoulder, signifying their alliance as comrades.

camarada

kah-mah-RAH-dah

nounm or fB1

comrade?military, political, or ideological associate,companion?close associate or friend

Also:mate?friend or colleague (informal),pal?informal friend

📝 In Action

Mi camarada de la universidad me ayudó a estudiar para el examen.

My university companion/mate helped me study for the exam.

Los viejos camaradas de guerra se encontraron después de muchos años.

The old comrades-in-arms met after many years.

Ella es una camarada muy leal en el trabajo.

She is a very loyal colleague at work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

amigo (friend)
colega (colleague)
socio (partner)

Antonyms

enemigo (enemy)

Common Collocations

viejo camarada – old companion/comrade
camarada de armas – comrade-in-arms

💡 Grammar Points

Gender is Flexible

Even though 'camarada' ends in '-a', it can refer to both men and women. The word you use before it (the article) tells you the gender: 'el camarada' (male) or 'la camarada' (female).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "Using 'el camarada' for a woman."

Correction: Use 'la camarada' when referring to a woman. The word itself doesn't change, only the article.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Matters

'Camarada' often implies a deeper bond than 'amigo,' suggesting shared struggle, goals, or quarters (like in the military or political groups).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: camarada

Question 1 of 1

If you are introducing your female coworker who is also your close companion, which phrase is correct?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cámara(room, chamber, camera) - noun

camaradería(camaraderie, fellowship) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'amigo' y 'camarada'?

While both mean 'friend,' 'camarada' usually suggests a connection built on shared goals, challenges, or ideology (like political or military associations). 'Amigo' is a general term for any friend.

Is 'camarada' a common word for just any friend?

It is understood everywhere, but in casual conversation, most people prefer 'amigo' or 'colega' (colleague). 'Camarada' carries a slight hint of formality or a specific shared history.