Pareja

Pareja is a Spanish noun that denotes two people who form a unit or a pair. In everyday use, it most often refers to a romantic couple, two people in a dating, engaged, married, or cohabiting relationship. The word can also describe a matched pair of objects or animals, as in 'una pareja de zapatos' or 'una pareja de perros.'

When referring to people, 'pareja' is commonly gender neutral and used regardless of the partners' genders. In many countries, phrases such as 'pareja de hecho' or 'pareja registrada' denote a domestic partnership with legal recognition, though the rights and terminology vary by jurisdiction. The term can also be extended to describe collaborations or shared projects, as in 'una pareja de bailarines' or 'una pareja de científicos.'

Etymology and linguistic notes: the word reflects the concept of a pair or duo and is related to 'par' (pair). It is a feminine noun in Spanish; adjectives agree with the qualities of the two people or things it describes rather than implying gender for the partners themselves.

See also: Spouse, domestic partnership, dating, relationship.