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How to Say "partners" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “partners” is “socios” — use 'socios' when referring to business partners, legal associates, or individuals involved in a joint venture or enterprise..

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socios

SOH-see-ohs/ˈsoθjos/

nounB1business, legal
Use 'socios' when referring to business partners, legal associates, or individuals involved in a joint venture or enterprise.
Two professional-looking figures shaking hands across a table, symbolizing a business partnership.

Examples

Los tres socios firmaron el contrato para abrir la nueva cafetería.

The three partners signed the contract to open the new coffee shop.

Nuestra empresa busca nuevos socios inversores en el extranjero.

Our company is looking for new investing partners abroad.

Ellos son los socios fundadores de la organización.

They are the founding partners of the organization.

Plural Gender Rule

Even if the group includes many women, the masculine plural form 'socios' is used to refer to a mixed group of partners.

Confusing 'Socio' and 'Amigo'

Mistake: “Using 'socio' to mean 'just a close friend.'”

Correction: Use 'amigo' for a friend. 'Socio' implies a formal, often legal or financial, connection.

parejas

/pah-REH-has//paˈɾexas/

nounA1general, romantic
Use 'parejas' to refer to two people in a romantic relationship, commonly understood as couples.
A simple illustration of a man and a woman holding hands, representing a couple.

Examples

Hay tres parejas bailando en la pista.

There are three couples dancing on the floor.

Las parejas jóvenes se mudaron al apartamento de al lado.

The young couples moved into the apartment next door.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular form 'pareja' is feminine, the plural 'parejas' is also feminine. Remember to use feminine adjectives and articles with it (e.g., 'las parejas', 'unas parejas').

Using 'parejas' for groups larger than two

Mistake: “Usar 'parejas' para un trío.”

Correction: Use 'grupos' or 'tríos'. 'Parejas' strictly means groups of two people.

compañeros

kohm-pah-NYEH-rohs/kompaˈɲeɾos/

nounB1general, romantic, general activity
Use 'compañeros' for people in a romantic relationship, especially for a long-term or life partnership, or for those involved in a shared activity or journey.
A colorful illustration of two adults, a man and a woman, sitting at a table and collaborating closely to assemble a large wooden model or puzzle.

Examples

Ellos han sido compañeros de vida por más de veinte años.

They have been life partners for more than twenty years.

Los dos compañeros de viaje se perdieron en la montaña.

The two traveling companions got lost in the mountain.

Meaning of 'Compañero/a'

When used in relation to life, 'compañero/a' often implies a long-term, committed partnership without necessarily meaning marriage, similar to 'partner' in English.

aliados

ah-lee-AH-dohs/aˈljaðos/

nounB1political, military, general collaboration
Use 'aliados' for groups or nations that have formed an alliance for mutual benefit, often in political or military contexts.
Two distinct, stylized figures, one blue and one red, shaking hands firmly in a gesture of partnership and alliance.

Examples

Los Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido fueron aliados durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

The United States and the United Kingdom were allies during the Second World War.

Necesitamos encontrar nuevos aliados comerciales para expandir nuestro negocio.

We need to find new commercial partners to expand our business.

Mis amigos son mis mejores aliados cuando tengo problemas.

My friends are my best allies when I have problems.

Plurality and Gender

Since 'aliados' ends in '-os,' it is masculine and refers to more than one person or thing. If you are talking about a group of only women, you would use 'aliadas'.

novias

/no-vyahs//ˈno.βjas/

nounA1romantic
Use 'novias' specifically for a man's girlfriend or fiancée in a serious, committed romantic relationship.
Two young women sitting together on a park bench, smiling and holding hands.

Examples

Mis hermanos presentaron a sus novias ayer.

My brothers introduced their girlfriends yesterday.

Ellas son las novias de mis mejores amigos.

They are my best friends' girlfriends.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one girlfriend, we just add an 's' to 'novia' to get 'novias'.

Confusing Girlfriends with Friends

Mistake: “Using 'novias' to mean female friends.”

Correction: Use 'amigas' for female friends. 'Novias' almost always implies a romantic relationship.

Romantic vs. Business Partners

The most common confusion is between 'socios' (business) and terms for romantic partners like 'parejas' or 'compañeros'. Always consider the context: if it's about business, use 'socios'; if it's romantic, use 'parejas' or 'compañeros' depending on the relationship's nature.

Related Translations

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