In Spanish, amigo and compañero both describe people we share connections with, but they highlight different kinds of relationships.
- Amigo means friend—someone with whom you have a close, personal, and often emotional bond.
- Compañero means companion, partner, or colleague—someone who shares a context, activity, or situation with you (e.g., at work, school, or in a team), but not necessarily with a deep personal connection.
| Word | Meaning | Typical Use | Connotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amigo | Friend | Personal/friendship relationships | Warm, close bonds |
| Compañero | Companion/Partner/Colleague | Shared context or activity (work, school, team) | Neutral, situational |
Examples
- Amigo: "Mi amigo y yo nos conocemos desde la infancia."
My friend and I have known each other since childhood.
→ Deep, lifelong friendship
- Compañero: "Ella es mi compañera de trabajo."
She is my work colleague.
→ Shared workplace, not necessarily close friends
- Compañero: "Los compañeros de clase deben ayudarse mutuamente."
Classmates should help each other.
→ Shared situation (class), not necessarily friends
- Amigo: "Invité a mis amigos a la fiesta."
I invited my friends to the party.
→ Close, personal social circle
- Compañero: "Mi compañero de equipo es muy buen jugador."
My teammate is a very good player.
→ Shared role in a team
Conclusion
Amigo is your genuine friend, while compañero is more like “partner in...” whatever you’re doing together.
- Amigo = personal, close, emotional bond
- Compañero = situational, shared context, neutral
- Use amigo for real friendships, compañero for coworkers, classmates, teammates