colega
/koˈleɡa/ · A2 · noun · mf
colleague
colega = co- (together) + leg- (chosen): one chosen alongside you
From Latin collega, a partner in office: com- (with) + legare (to appoint). Same root as English colleague, so the spelling is nearly a giveaway. In Spain it is also casual slang for buddy or mate. One form for both genders: el colega, la colega.