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How to Say "partner" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “partner” is “pareja” — use this gender-neutral term for a romantic partner, spouse, or significant other in a long-term relationship..

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pareja

pah-REH-hah/paˈɾe.xa/

nounA1general
Use this gender-neutral term for a romantic partner, spouse, or significant other in a long-term relationship.
Two stylized figures, one slightly taller than the other, standing close together and holding hands, smiling warmly.

Examples

Mi pareja y yo vamos a adoptar un perro.

My partner and I are going to adopt a dog.

Ellos son una pareja muy divertida.

They are a very fun couple.

¿Quién es tu pareja de baile?

Who is your dance partner?

Always Feminine

Even if the person you are referring to is male, the word 'pareja' is always feminine: 'El es mi pareja' (He is my partner).

Using Masculine Article

Mistake: “El pareja”

Correction: La pareja. Remember that the word itself determines the article, not the gender of the person.

compañero

nounA2general
This word refers to a romantic partner or spouse, often emphasizing a shared life journey.

Examples

Mi abuelo fue el compañero de vida de mi abuela por 60 años.

My grandfather was my grandmother's life partner for 60 years.

mujer

/moo-HER//muˈxeɾ/

nounA2general
Use this term specifically for a long-term female romantic partner or wife.
A man and a woman, clearly a couple, standing side-by-side with their arms around each other.

Examples

Mi mujer es de Argentina.

My wife is from Argentina.

Voy a ir al cine con mi mujer esta noche.

I'm going to the movies with my wife tonight.

¿Cómo se llama tu mujer?

What is your wife's name?

Possessive Words

This meaning is almost always used with a word that shows ownership, like 'mi' (my), 'tu' (your), or 'su' (his/her). For example, 'mi mujer' (my wife).

Confusing with 'Girlfriend'

Mistake: “Te presento a mi mujer, llevamos dos meses saliendo.”

Correction: Te presento a mi novia, llevamos dos meses saliendo. 'Mujer' implies a very serious, long-term relationship, usually marriage. For a girlfriend, you should use 'novia'.

acompañante

nounA2general
This term is used for someone accompanying another person to an event or in a specific situation, not necessarily a romantic partner.

Examples

Cada paciente puede tener un acompañante en la habitación.

Each patient can have one companion in the room.

aliado

/ah-lee-AH-doh//aˈljaðo/

nounB1general
Choose this word when referring to someone who is working with you towards a common goal, like a business partner or ally.
Two people shaking hands in a friendly and supportive manner.

Examples

Necesitamos un aliado fuerte para ganar esta batalla.

We need a strong ally to win this battle.

Mi perro es mi mejor aliado contra la tristeza.

My dog is my best ally against sadness.

Making it Feminine

If the ally you are talking about is a woman, change the 'o' to an 'a' and say 'aliada'.

Ally vs. Friend

Mistake: “Using 'aliado' for every friend.”

Correction: Use 'amigo' for social friends and 'aliado' when you are working together toward a specific goal or against a common problem.

jefa

HEH-fah/'xefa/

nounC1slang
This is a slang term, primarily used in Mexico, to refer to a romantic partner, typically a girlfriend.
A couple consisting of a woman and a man standing close together, looking affectionately at each other and holding hands, symbolizing romantic partners.

Examples

¿Vas a ir al cine con tu jefa esta noche?

Are you going to the movies with your girlfriend tonight? (Mexico/Slang)

Le tengo que avisar a la jefa que llegaré tarde.

I have to let the wife know I'll be late. (Slang)

Context is Key

This slang meaning relies heavily on context. If someone is talking about their personal life, 'jefa' likely means partner or wife, not manager.

Using Slang Universally

Mistake: “Using 'jefa' to mean 'girlfriend' in Spain or Argentina.”

Correction: This usage is highly regional (especially Mexican). Stick to 'novia' or 'pareja' in other countries to avoid confusion.

Romantic vs. Non-Romantic Partners

The most common confusion is between 'pareja'/'compañero'/'mujer' for romantic partners and 'acompañante'/'aliado' for non-romantic associations. Always consider if the relationship is romantic before choosing a term.

Related Translations

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