Spanish · People & Family
"Colleague" in Spanish: colega / colega
el colega / la colega
Colleague in Spanish is el colega or la colega. The noun stays colega; only the article changes. Compañero de trabajo is another common option.
How to pronounce colega: audio and sound guideAt the office
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How to pronounce colega / colega
Say it
koh-LEH-gah
/koˈle.ɣa/
koh-LEH-gah for colega. Stress LEH.
"Colleague" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el colega | the colleague (male) Male coworker. | Male coworker. |
| la colega | the colleague (female) Female coworker. | Female coworker. |
| un colega | a colleague (male) Introducing a male coworker. | Introducing a male coworker. |
| compañero de trabajo | coworker Very common workplace alternative. | Very common workplace alternative. |
How to use colega / colega in real life
- 1At the office
Mi colega termina el informe.
My colleague is finishing the report.
Mi colega for a coworker.
- 2Team lunch
Almuerzo con una colega.
I’m having lunch with a colleague.
Una colega for a woman.
- 3Project talk
Ese colega conoce bien el sistema.
That colleague knows the system well.
Ese colega when pointing out a man.
Mistakes English speakers make with colega / colega
Incorrect: La colego trabaja aquí.
Correct: La colega trabaja aquí.
The noun is colega for both genders. Do not invent colego.
Incorrect: El colega nueva.
Correct: La colega nueva. / El colega nuevo.
Match article and adjective to the person’s gender.
Good to know
Good to knowColega is widely understood at work across Latin America. Compañero de trabajo is another option beside colega. Keep titles when the workplace is formal.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Before a team meeting
ChatPal
¿Viene tu colega a la reunión?
Is your colleague coming to the meeting?
You
Sí. Mi colega trae las notas.
Yes. My colleague is bringing the notes.
ChatPal
Perfecto. Empezamos en cinco.
Perfect. We start in five.
You
Voy a avisar al equipo.
I’ll let the team know.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Colleague" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Colleague" in Spanish
Does colega change for gender?
The noun stays colega. Use el/la and nuevo/nueva to match.
Colega or compañero?
Both work. Compañero/a de trabajo is very common.
Is colega formal?
Neutral to friendly. Fine in most offices.
How do you pronounce colega?
koh-LEH-gah. Stress LEH.
Use these words in a conversation
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