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How to Say "comrade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

camarada

kah-mah-RAH-dah/kamaˈɾaða/

nounB1military, political, ideological
Use 'camarada' when referring to a close associate in a military, political, or ideological group, emphasizing shared struggle or loyalty.
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

El soldado luchó valientemente junto a su camarada.

The soldier fought bravely alongside his comrade.

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

nounB2political, ideological
Use 'compañero' for a political or ideological ally, especially when referring to members of the same party or group with shared goals.

Examples

Los compañeros de partido debatieron la nueva estrategia.

The party colleagues debated the new strategy.

Camarada vs. Compañero Nuance

Learners often confuse 'camarada' and 'compañero' because both can imply alliance. Remember that 'camarada' leans towards a more intense, often military or revolutionary, bond, while 'compañero' is broader and can simply mean a colleague or fellow member.

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