compañero
“compañero” means “classmate” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
classmate, workmate / colleague, teammate
Also: roommate / flatmate
📝 In Action
Mi compañero de clase me ayuda con la tarea.
A1My classmate helps me with the homework.
Voy a almorzar con mis compañeros de trabajo.
A2I'm going to have lunch with my workmates.
Busco un compañero de piso para compartir los gastos.
B1I'm looking for a flatmate to share the expenses.
partner, companion
Also: mate
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo fue el compañero de vida de mi abuela por 60 años.
B1My grandfather was my grandmother's life partner for 60 years.
Mi perro es mi fiel compañero en todas mis aventuras.
A2My dog is my faithful companion on all my adventures.
Busco un compañero de viaje para ir a Perú.
B1I'm looking for a travel companion to go to Peru.
comrade, fellow member
📝 In Action
El líder se dirigió a sus compañeros del partido.
B2The leader addressed his fellow party members.
¡Compañeros, la lucha por nuestros derechos continúa!
C1Comrades, the fight for our rights continues!
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: compañero
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'compañero' to mean a romantic or life partner?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin 'com-' (meaning 'with') and 'panis' (meaning 'bread'). A 'compañero' was literally the person you shared your bread with. This beautiful origin story reminds us that the word is all about sharing something important, whether it's a meal, a classroom, a job, or your life.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'compañero' and 'amigo'?
Think of it this way: 'compañero' is about a shared situation, while 'amigo' is about a shared feeling. Your 'compañero de trabajo' (coworker) is someone you share an office with, but they might not be your 'amigo' (friend). 'Amigo' implies a personal, emotional connection of friendship, whereas 'compañero' is based on a shared activity or space.
Can I use 'compañero' for my husband or wife?
Yes, you can! It's a lovely way to refer to a spouse, often as a 'compañero/a de vida' (life partner). It emphasizes the journey you share together. It's less formal than 'esposo/a' (husband/wife) and perhaps more romantic than just 'novio/a' (boyfriend/girlfriend).