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socio means partner — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 25, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

socio

noun • /[SO-syo]/

partner

Example:

Mi socio está de viaje.

My partner is traveling.

🧠 What does socio mean?

The Spanish word 'socio' is a noun that primarily refers to a partner, especially in a business context. It denotes an individual who shares in a business venture, enterprise, or association. This can include a business partner, a partner in a company, or even a partner in a more general sense of association. The term implies a shared interest, responsibility, and often ownership.

📚 Extra examples

  • Él es mi socio en la nueva empresa tecnológica.
    He is my partner in the new technology company.
  • Buscamos un socio inversor para expandir nuestro negocio.
    We are looking for an investor partner to expand our business.
  • Los socios de la firma decidieron aumentar el capital.
    The partners of the firm decided to increase the capital.
  • Ella se convirtió en socia de la consultoría después de cinco años.
    She became a partner in the consultancy after five years.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'socio' shares its Latin root 'socius' with the English word 'social', highlighting the inherent connection between partnership and social interaction.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "socio"

Synonyms: compañero (less formal, can mean colleague or companion), asociado (associate, often used for professional affiliations), cómplice (accomplice, usually in a negative context, but can mean partner in crime), colaborador (collaborator)
Opposites: competidor (competitor), enemigo (enemy), rival (rival)

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'partner' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'partner' in a business or association context is 'socio'.
How do you pronounce 'socio' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'socio' is 'SOH-thee-oh' in most of Spain, and 'SOH-see-oh' in Latin America and parts of southern Spain. The 'c' before 'i' or 'e' is pronounced like 'th' in Spain, and like 's' in Latin America.
How do you use 'socio' in a sentence?
'Socio' is used to refer to a person who is a partner in a business or an association. For example: 'Él es mi socio comercial' (He is my business partner).
What is the English translation of 'socio'?
The primary English translation of 'socio' is 'partner', particularly in the context of business or professional associations.
Does 'socio' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'socio' changes for gender and number. The masculine singular is 'socio', the feminine singular is 'socia', the masculine plural is 'socios', and the feminine plural is 'socias'.
Is 'socio' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'socio' is very common in business and professional contexts, it is also used in more general terms to refer to a companion or associate, making it reasonably common in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing shared activities or affiliations.
Does 'socio' have slang or double meanings?
In some informal contexts, particularly in certain regions of Latin America, 'socio' can be used colloquially as a term of address, similar to 'buddy', 'mate', or 'pal'. However, its primary and most formal meaning remains 'partner'.
Is 'socio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'socio' as 'partner' is consistent in both Spain and Latin America. The main difference lies in pronunciation, as noted above. Additionally, the informal use of 'socio' as a friendly term of address is more prevalent in some Latin American countries than in Spain.

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