A simple illustration showing two professional peers, one pointing at a document they are both holding, symbolizing collaboration.

colegas

koh-LEH-gahs

nounm/fA2

colleagues?professional peers,coworkers?people you work with

Also:associates?professional contacts,pals?informal friends (Spain)

📝 In Action

Mis colegas de trabajo organizaron una fiesta sorpresa.

My colleagues from work organized a surprise party.

Ella es una de mis colegas más respetadas en la universidad.

She is one of my most respected colleagues at the university.

¿Vas a invitar a todos tus colegas a la conferencia?

Are you going to invite all your associates to the conference?

Word Connections

Synonyms

compañeros (companions, partners)
socios (partners, members)

Common Collocations

reunión de colegas – colleagues' meeting
viejos colegas – old colleagues

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Flexibility

The word 'colega' (and its plural 'colegas') does not change its ending to indicate gender. Instead, the article tells you who is being discussed: 'el colega' (male) or 'la colega' (female).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Colega' and 'Amigo'

Mistake: "Using 'colega' when you mean a close personal friend."

Correction: 'Colega' implies a professional or academic relationship. Use 'amigos' (friends) or 'conocidos' (acquaintances) for personal relationships.

⭐ Usage Tips

Informal Use in Spain

In Spain, the singular 'colega' is often used very informally among friends, similar to saying 'mate' or 'pal' in English: '¡Oye, colega! ¿Qué tal?'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: colegas

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es la forma correcta para referirse a un grupo de mujeres que trabajan contigo?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

colega(colleague (singular)) - noun

colegio(school, college, professional association) - noun

colegial(school-aged, belonging to a college/school) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'colegas' only for professional settings?

While its main use is professional (coworkers, academic peers), in Spain, the singular form 'colega' is very common as an informal way to address a friend or acquaintance, similar to 'mate' or 'buddy'.

How do I make 'colega' feminine?

The word itself doesn't change its ending. To show it's feminine, you change the article: 'la colega' (singular) or 'las colegas' (plural).