compañera
/kom-pah-NYEH-rah/
companion
Compañera meaning 'companion' or general associate.
compañera(noun)
companion
?general friend or associate
,colleague (female)
?a person you work with
associate
?a member of a group or team
📝 In Action
Mi compañera de trabajo me ayudó con el proyecto.
A1My female colleague helped me with the project.
Ella es una compañera muy leal.
A2She is a very loyal companion.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Form
Remember that 'compañero' is the masculine form, used for a male companion or when referring to a mixed group.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'De'
You often specify what kind of companion she is by using 'de': compañera de clase, compañera de piso, etc.
Compañera meaning 'classmate' (female).
compañera(noun)
classmate (female)
?a fellow student
,roommate / flatmate (female)
?a person sharing a living space
desk mate
?a person sharing a desk or adjacent seating
📝 In Action
Mi compañera de clase me prestó sus apuntes.
A2My classmate lent me her notes.
Necesito encontrar una nueva compañera de piso para el mes que viene.
B1I need to find a new flatmate for next month.
❌ Common Pitfalls
English Loan Words
Mistake: "Using 'roomie' instead of 'compañera de piso/cuarto'."
Correction: While 'roomie' is understood in some youth circles, using 'compañera de piso' (Spain) or 'compañera de cuarto' (Latin America) is much clearer and more standard.
Compañera meaning 'partner' or long-term romantic spouse.
compañera(noun)
partner (life partner)
?long-term romantic partner or common-law spouse
girlfriend
?used for serious, established relationships
📝 In Action
Fuimos de vacaciones con mi compañera y sus padres.
B1We went on vacation with my partner and her parents.
Llevan diez años viviendo juntos; son compañeros de vida.
B2They have been living together for ten years; they are life partners.
⭐ Usage Tips
Relationship Status
Using 'compañera' often suggests a serious, cohabiting relationship, sometimes intentionally avoiding the formality of 'esposa' (wife) or the casualness of 'novia' (girlfriend).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compañera
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'compañera' to refer to a long-term romantic relationship?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'compañera' to mean 'friend'?
Yes, you can! While 'amiga' is the most common word for a close friend, 'compañera' is perfect for a female associate, colleague, or someone you spend a lot of time with, even if the friendship isn't super deep.
Is 'compañera' the same as 'novia' (girlfriend)?
Not exactly. 'Novia' is usually used for dating or a newer relationship. 'Compañera' suggests a more established, long-term bond, often implying that the couple lives together, like a common-law marriage. It's a more serious term.