Inklingo

How to Say "fellow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

individuo

in-dee-VEE-dwo/in.diˈβi.ðwo/

nounB2
Use 'individuo' when referring to a person, often in a neutral or slightly formal context, especially when their identity is unknown or unimportant.
A friendly illustration of a man wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans, smiling and giving a friendly wave.

Examples

Un individuo desconocido entró en la tienda.

An unknown individual entered 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-toh/suˈxeto/

nounA2
Choose 'sujeto' for a very neutral, almost detached reference to a person, often used when observing someone or describing them in a factual, sometimes slightly distant way.
A simple illustration of a casually dressed man with a friendly expression standing and looking forward.

Examples

El sujeto que viste ayer, ¿lo reconoces?

The fellow you saw yesterday, do you recognize him?

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 'pájaro' as informal slang, particularly in Spain, to describe a guy, often with a hint of caution or to imply he might be cunning or untrustworthy.

Examples

Ten cuidado con ese tipo, es un pájaro listo.

Be careful with that guy, he's a clever fellow.

Neutral vs. Informal 'Fellow'

Learners often confuse 'individuo' and 'sujeto' with the more informal 'pájaro'. Remember that 'individuo' and 'sujeto' are generally neutral or formal, while 'pájaro' is specifically informal slang used in Spain. Using 'pájaro' in a formal setting would be inappropriate.

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