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pareja

pah-REH-hahpaˈɾe.xa

“pareja” means “partner” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

partner, couple

Also: mate
NounfA1
Spain
Two stylized figures, one slightly taller than the other, standing close together and holding hands, smiling warmly.

📝 In Action

Mi pareja y yo vamos a adoptar un perro.

A1

My partner and I are going to adopt a dog.

Ellos son una pareja muy divertida.

A2

They are a very fun couple.

¿Quién es tu pareja de baile?

B1

Who is your dance partner?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • compañero (companion (male))
  • novio/a (boyfriend/girlfriend (often used for dating relationships))

Common Collocations

  • ser pareja – to be a couple
  • buscar pareja – to look for a partner

pair

Also: match
NounfA2
Two identical, brightly colored striped socks lying flat next to each other on a simple background, representing a pair.

📝 In Action

No encuentro la otra pareja del calcetín.

A2

I can't find the other sock (of the pair).

Formaremos parejas para el ejercicio.

B1

We will form pairs for the exercise.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • par (pair (masculine noun, often preferred for socks/shoes))

Common Collocations

  • pareja de hecho – de facto couple / civil union
  • pareja de zapatos – pair of shoes

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pareja" in Spanish:

couple→match→mate→pair→partner→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pareja

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'pareja' to mean a set of objects?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
par(pair; even) — Noun / Adjective
aparejar(to pair up; to prepare) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
madejaoveja
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Late Latin word *paricŭlus*, which was a diminutive (a smaller version) of the classical Latin word *par*, meaning 'equal' or 'alike'. This root explains why the word is used for two things that belong together or are matched.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: parelhaFrench: pareil

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'pareja' and 'par'?

'Par' (masculine) is usually reserved for the exact number two or for items like shoes and socks ('un par de calcetines'). 'Pareja' (feminine) is more often used for couples, whether romantic or functional (dance partners), and generally emphasizes the matching or coupling aspect.

Can I use 'pareja' for a same-sex partner?

Absolutely! 'Pareja' is highly versatile and is the standard, modern, and gender-neutral term used for partners in any kind of relationship.