Partner
Meaning: Significant other, gender-neutral term for romantic partner.
'Partner' is the gender-neutral, sexuality-neutral term for romantic partner. 'My partner' avoids assuming marriage or gender. Increasingly standard in professional and inclusive contexts.
Examples
- This is my partner. 这是我的伴侣Esta es mi parejaこちらが私のパートナーです이쪽이 제 파트너예요.
- She and her partner... 她和她的伴侣……Ella y su pareja...彼女とそのパートナーは…그녀와 그녀의 파트너는…
- Bring your partner if you'd like. 如果愿意的话,带上你的伴侣Trae a tu pareja si quieresよかったらパートナーも連れてきて원하시면 파트너도 데려오세요.
Pronunciation
/ˈpɑːtnə/
Usage Guide
Context: relationships, inclusive, formal
Tone: neutral, inclusive
✓ Do Say
- Partner伴侣parejaパートナー파트너
- My partner我的伴侣mi pareja私のパートナー내 파트너
✗ Don't Say
- Neutral—doesn't reveal gender or marital status中性称呼——不透露性别或婚姻状况Neutro; no revela género ni estado civil中立的——性別や婚姻状況を明かさない성별이나 결혼 여부를 드러내지 않는 중립적 표현
Common Mistakes
- Can mean any committed relationship
Origin & History
While 'partner' has old business/legal meaning, its use for romantic relationships grew with LGBTQ+ visibility and desire for inclusive language. Now mainstream.
Etymology: From partner (someone you share with)
First recorded: Romantic usage grew late 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: Late 20th century romantic usage
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Inclusive language
Regional notes: Universal inclusive term.
Variations
More From This Topic
More from Dating & Relationships
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free