asimismo / así mismovsa sí mismo
/ah-see-MEES-moh/
/ah SEE MEES-moh/
💡 Quick Rule
One word (asimismo) = 'also'. Three words (a sí mismo) = 'to himself/herself'. Two words (así mismo) can mean either.
Count the words! One word links ONE idea to another ('also'). Three words refer to a person ('to him/her SELF').
- The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) says one-word 'asimismo' and two-word 'así mismo' are interchangeable when meaning 'also', but 'asimismo' is more common in formal writing.
- The two-word 'así mismo' can also mean 'in that very way' or 'just like that', which is a totally different use.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | asimismo / así mismo | a sí mismo | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Function | No me gustó la película. Asimismo, los actores eran malos. | Se mintió a sí mismo sobre la situación. | Use 'asimismo' to connect two related ideas. Use 'a sí mismo' when the subject does something to themself. |
| Number of Words | asimismo (1 word) OR así mismo (2 words) | a sí mismo (always 3 words) | This is the easiest visual clue. 'To himself/herself' is always three separate words: a + sí + mismo. |
| English Equivalent | Also, likewise, in addition | To himself, to herself, to oneself | The English translations are completely different, which helps clarify their distinct roles in a sentence. |
✅ When to Use "asimismo / así mismo" / a sí mismo
asimismo / así mismo
Also, likewise, in addition. Used to connect ideas or add information. (Note: 'asimismo' and 'así mismo' are interchangeable for this meaning).
/ah-see-MEES-moh/
Adding a similar idea ('also', 'likewise')
Me encanta la pizza. Asimismo, disfruto de la pasta.
I love pizza. Likewise, I enjoy pasta.
In formal writing to add a point
El proyecto debe terminarse el viernes. Asimismo, todos los informes deben ser entregados.
The project must be finished on Friday. In addition, all reports must be submitted.
As 'así mismo' to mean 'in that way'
Tienes que firmar el documento así mismo, sin cambiar nada.
You have to sign the document just like that, without changing anything.
a sí mismo
To himself, to herself, to itself, to oneself, or to themselves. It's a reflexive phrase indicating an action is directed back at the subject.
/ah SEE MEES-moh/
Reflecting an action back to the subject
Se compró un coche a sí mismo por su cumpleaños.
He bought a car for himself for his birthday.
Describing introspection or self-talk
Se prometió a sí misma que estudiaría más.
She promised herself that she would study more.
Plural form ('to themselves')
Se hicieron un favor a sí mismos al vender la casa.
They did themselves a favor by selling the house.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "asimismo / así mismo":
El director se felicitó. Así mismo, felicitó a todo el equipo.
The director congratulated himself. Also, he congratulated the whole team.
With "a sí mismo":
El director se felicitó a sí mismo.
The director congratulated himself.
The Difference: In the first sentence, 'así mismo' adds a new, separate action. In the second, 'a sí mismo' clarifies and emphasizes that the action of congratulating was directed solely at himself.
With "asimismo / así mismo":
Lo hice así mismo, como me dijiste.
I did it just like that, as you told me.
With "a sí mismo":
Se lo hizo a sí mismo.
He did it to himself.
The Difference: Here, the two-word 'así mismo' means 'in that way'. It's about the method. The three-word 'a sí mismo' is about the recipient of the action.
🎨 Visual Comparison
A split-screen showing a plus sign for 'asimismo' (also) and a circular arrow pointing back to a person for 'a sí mismo' (to himself).
'Asimismo' adds something new. 'A sí mismo' reflects something back to the person.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Se compró un regalo asimismo.
Se compró un regalo a sí mismo.
When an action is reflexive (done to oneself), you need the three-word phrase 'a sí mismo'. 'Asimismo' means 'also' and doesn't make sense here.
Me gusta el rock. A sí mismo, me gusta el jazz.
Me gusta el rock. Asimismo, me gusta el jazz.
To add another similar idea, use the connector 'asimismo' (or 'así mismo'). 'A sí mismo' is only for reflexive actions.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Asimismo vs Así mismo vs A sí mismo
Question 1 of 3
Choose the correct option: 'A Juan le va muy bien. ___, ha conseguido un ascenso.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
So, can I always use 'asimismo' and 'así mismo' to mean 'also'?
Yes, officially they are synonyms for 'also'. However, the one-word 'asimismo' is generally preferred in formal and academic writing. In everyday conversation, you might hear both. To be safe, use 'asimismo' for 'also' and 'así mismo' only when you mean 'in that way'.
Does 'a sí mismo' change for gender or number?
The 'sí' part doesn't change, but the 'mismo' part does. It must agree with the subject. For a woman: 'a sí misma'. For a group of men or a mixed group: 'a sí mismos'. For a group of women: 'a sí mismas'.
Is there a simple trick to remember the difference?
The simplest trick is to count the words. If you mean 'to himself/herself', it's always three words. If you mean 'also', use the single word 'asimismo'. This will cover 95% of situations correctly and help you avoid the most common mistakes.