Inklingo

How to Say "companion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “companion” is “compañero” — use this word for someone you spend a lot of time with, share an activity with, or have a long-term relationship with, like a life partner or a classmate..

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compañero

nounA2general
Use this word for someone you spend a lot of time with, share an activity with, or have a long-term relationship with, like a life partner or a classmate.

Examples

Mi compañero de clase me ayudó con la tarea.

My classmate companion helped me with the homework.

acompañante

nounA2general
This term is best for someone who is physically present with another person, often in a professional or caregiving context, or simply going along with them.

Examples

El paciente necesita un acompañante para ir al médico.

The patient needs a companion to go to the doctor.

camarada

kah-mah-RAH-dah/kamaˈɾaða/

nounB1informal
Choose this word for a close friend or associate, especially one with whom you share a strong bond, loyalty, or have a common cause, often with a slightly more informal or historical feel.
Two people wearing simple matching solid-color uniforms standing shoulder-to-shoulder, one resting a hand on the other's shoulder, signifying their alliance as comrades.

Examples

Él es mi camarada desde la infancia.

He is my companion/mate since childhood.

Mi camarada de la universidad me ayudó a estudiar para el examen.

My university companion/mate helped me study for the exam.

Los viejos camaradas de guerra se encontraron después de muchos años.

The old comrades-in-arms met after many years.

Ella es una camarada muy leal en el trabajo.

She is a very loyal colleague at work.

Gender is Flexible

Even though 'camarada' ends in '-a', it can refer to both men and women. The word you use before it (the article) tells you the gender: 'el camarada' (male) or 'la camarada' (female).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'el camarada' for a woman.”

Correction: Use 'la camarada' when referring to a woman. The word itself doesn't change, only the article.

Compañero vs. Acompañante

Learners often confuse 'compañero' and 'acompañante'. Remember that 'acompañante' is usually about the act of accompanying someone physically, while 'compañero' implies a longer-term relationship or shared activity.

Related Translations

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