Spanish word

compañero

Pronunciation

IPA/kompaˈɲeɾo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfriend, companion

Example

Mi compañero siempre me ayuda cuando tengo problemas.

My friend always helps me when I have problems.

Illustration for compañero (friend)

More examples

Mi compañero de clase presentó el proyecto hoy.

My classmate presented the project today.

Core concept

Close associate who shares work, home life, or activities with another person.

Common phrases

  • compañero de trabajo

    work colleague

  • compañero de clase

    classmate

  • buen compañero

    good friend

Similar words

amigo: Enjoys a close, affectionate relationship and spends time together for personal support.
compañero de clase: Studies alongside others in the same class or course and participates in lessons.
vecino: Lives nearby in the same neighborhood or building and is part of the local community.
compañero de trabajo: Works at the same workplace or company and collaborates on job tasks.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que comparte actividades, espacio o trabajo con otra persona y mantiene una relación de cercanía o colaboración.

Word origin

Derives from Latin companionem (com- 'together' + panis 'bread'), originally referring to someone who shares a meal and later generalizing to a companion.

Usage tips

  • In romantic or household contexts, compañero alone can be neutral or ambiguous, so forms like compañero sentimental or compañero de piso are common.

Other meanings

  • colleaguenoun
  • classmatenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • compañerafemale companionnoun
  • compañerismocamaraderienoun

Word lists with this word