compañero
/kom-pah-NYEH-roh/
classmate
A classmate (compañero) shares a book during school time.
compañero(Noun)
classmate
?Person in your class
,workmate / colleague
?Person you work with
,teammate
?Person on your sports team or project team
roommate / flatmate
?Person you share a room or apartment with
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing for a Woman
This word is for a male person. To talk about a female person, you just change the final '-o' to an '-a': 'compañera'. For example, 'Ella es mi compañera de trabajo' (She is my colleague).
⭐ Usage Tips
Sharing is Key
Use 'compañero' for someone who shares a specific space, activity, or goal with you. Think 'co-worker', 'co-student', 'co-habitant'.
A romantic partner (compañero) walking hand-in-hand with their loved one.
compañero(Noun)
partner
?Romantic or life partner
,companion
?Someone you spend a lot of time with or travel with
mate
?UK/Aus slang for a close friend or partner
📝 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Compañero' vs. 'Amigo'
Mistake: "Using 'compañero' when you just mean 'friend'."
Correction: 'Amigo' is a general friend. 'Compañero' implies you share something specific and significant, like your life, a long journey, or a daily activity. All coworkers ('compañeros') are not necessarily friends ('amigos').
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than a Friend
This meaning of 'compañero' suggests a deeper bond than just friendship. It's about a shared journey, whether that's traveling the world or navigating life together.
A comrade (compañero) stands in solidarity for a shared cause.
compañero(Noun)
comrade
?Political or ideological ally
,fellow member
?Member of the same party or union
📝 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!
⭐ Usage Tips
A Call for Unity
You'll hear this word used to start speeches at protests, union meetings, or political rallies. It's a powerful way to say 'we are all in this together' and create a sense of solidarity.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compañero
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'compañero' to mean a romantic or life partner?
📚 More Resources
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).