Inklingo

How to Say "fellow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fellow” is “individuo” — use this when referring to a man whose identity is unknown or not important, often in a neutral or slightly suspicious way.

English → Spanish

individuo

in-dee-VEE-dwoin.diˈβi.ðwo

nounB2
Use this when referring to a man whose identity is unknown or not important, often in a neutral or slightly suspicious way.
A friendly illustration of a man wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans, smiling and giving a friendly wave.

Examples

Vimos a un individuo sospechoso cerca de la tienda.

We saw a suspicious individual near the store.

¿Quién es ese individuo que está mirando por la ventana?

Who is that guy looking through the window?

Llamaron a la policía por un individuo sospechoso en la calle.

They called the police about a suspicious character on the street.

sujeto

soo-HEH-tohsuˈxeto

nounA2
Use this for a neutral, often formal or legalistic, reference to a person, particularly when their identity is unknown or they are the subject of observation.
A simple illustration of a casually dressed man with a friendly expression standing and looking forward.

Examples

Un sujeto entró en la oficina sin permiso.

A subject entered the office without permission.

Vimos a un sujeto sospechoso cerca de la tienda.

We saw a suspicious individual near the store.

Ese sujeto siempre llega tarde a las reuniones.

That guy always arrives late to the meetings.

La policía está buscando a un sujeto de 40 años.

The police are looking for a 40-year-old suspect.

pájaro

nounB2informal
Use this informal term, primarily in Spain, to refer to a guy or fellow, often implying he is tricky, suspicious, or not to be trusted.

Examples

No confíes en él, es un pájaro de cuidado.

Don't trust him, he's a tricky/suspicious fellow.

académico

nounB2formal
Use this specifically for a member of an official academy, a learned society, or a university professor.

Examples

Él es un prestigioso académico de la lengua.

He is a prestigious fellow of the language academy.

Individuo vs. Sujeto

Learners often confuse 'individuo' and 'sujeto' because both refer to an unknown person. 'Individuo' is more common in everyday speech for a generic man, while 'sujeto' carries a more formal or observational tone, often used in news reports or police contexts.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.