How to say "colleague" in Japanese

• 同僚どうりょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe default word for a colleague or coworker: someone who works at the same place as you, stated neutrally. Use it for everyday references to people in your company or office.
  私の同僚どうりょうは報告書ほうこくしょを改かいざんした。↗

  My colleague doctored the report.
• 僚友りょうゆうCommon
  nounAlso means a colleague or workmate, but with a more literary, formal flavor than 同僚. Suitable for writing or elevated speech about fellow workers; in plain conversation 同僚 is the usual choice.
• 仲間なかまJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers the 'companion, mate, comrade' side of 'colleague' — people you feel fellowship with. It is often not the word you want for a mere workplace colleague; use it when the sense is friend or comrade.
  田中たなかさんは父ちちのつり仲間なかまの一人ひとりだ。↗

  Mr. Tanaka is one of my father's fishing companions.

Use 同僚 for a neutral workplace colleague, 僚友 for a more literary or formal fellow worker, and 仲間 only when 'colleague' really means a companion or comrade rather than a coworker.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 同僚どうりょうcoworker
• 僚友りょうゆうcolleague
• 仲間なかまcompanion
• 同役どうやくcolleague
• 社友しゃゆうcolleague
• 相役あいやくcolleague
• 同輩どうはいfellows
• 朋輩ほうばいcomrade
• ナカーマcompanion
• 同人どうじんcoterie
• 相番あいばんpartner