igual
/ee-GWAL/
same
Dos manzanas iguales (Two same apples).
igual(Adjective)
same
?When two or more things are identical or very similar.
equal
?Referring to quantity, value, or rights.
,alike
?Describing similarity in appearance or character.
📝 In Action
Tú y yo tenemos la misma edad, somos iguales.
A1You and I are the same age, we are equals.
Estos dos vestidos son casi iguales.
A2These two dresses are almost the same.
Todos los ciudadanos tienen iguales derechos.
B1All citizens have equal rights.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it Plural
Like many adjectives, 'igual' changes for plural things. Add '-es' to talk about more than one item: el problema igual (the same problem), los problemas iguales (the same problems).
Comparing with 'a' or 'que'
When you say something is 'the same as' something else, you can use either 'igual a' or 'igual que'. Both are very common. Mi coche es igual al tuyo. or Mi coche es igual que el tuyo.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'igual' vs. 'mismo'
Mistake: "Usar 'igual' cuando quieres decir 'the very same one'."
Correction: Use `mismo/a` before a noun to mean 'the very same object' (`Vivimos en la misma casa` - We live in the same house). Use `igual` to say two different things are alike (`Nuestras casas son iguales` - Our houses are the same).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Similarity
This is your go-to word for pointing out that two things look, feel, or are alike. It's incredibly versatile for making simple comparisons.
Repartir algo por igual (To divide something equally).
igual(Adverb)
just as
?Used in comparisons like 'just as tall as'.
equally
?When distributing or treating things in the same way.
,maybe / perhaps
?Informal, expressing possibility (see separate definition).
📝 In Action
Mi hermana es igual de alta que yo.
A2My sister is just as tall as me.
El profesor trata a todos los estudiantes por igual.
B1The teacher treats all the students equally.
Me da igual si vamos al cine o al parque.
A2I don't mind / It's all the same to me if we go to the movies or the park.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Formula: `igual de ... que`
To say 'just as [adjective] as', use this pattern: igual de + adjective + que. For example, Eres igual de inteligente que tu hermano. (You are just as smart as your brother).
Always Stays the Same
When 'igual' is used this way (as an adverb), it never changes. It's always 'igual', never 'iguala' or 'iguales', because it's describing the degree of an adjective, not a noun.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'de'
Mistake: "Mi coche es igual rápido que el tuyo."
Correction: Remember to include `de` in your comparisons: `Mi coche es igual de rápido que el tuyo.` This little word is essential for the phrase to work.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Indifference
The phrase me da igual is extremely common for saying you don't have a preference or don't care. It's a bit more polite than saying 'no me importa' (I don't care).
Igual vamos a la playa (Maybe we will go to the beach).
igual(Adverb)
maybe
?Expressing possibility or uncertainty.
perhaps
?A slightly more formal equivalent in English.
,what if
?When proposing a hypothetical situation.
📝 In Action
Hace frío. Igual no salimos esta noche.
B1It's cold. Maybe we won't go out tonight.
No me ha llamado... Igual se ha olvidado.
B1He hasn't called me... Perhaps he forgot.
Igual podemos ir a la playa el fin de semana.
B2Maybe we can go to the beach this weekend.
💡 Grammar Points
Easy Verb Form
Unlike quizás or tal vez, which sometimes need a special verb form (the subjunctive), igual is almost always followed by the normal, everyday verb form (the indicative). This makes it a very easy way to say 'maybe'!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using in Formal Writing
Mistake: "Writing an academic essay and starting a sentence with 'Igual, los resultados demuestran...'"
Correction: This use of 'igual' is best for conversation. In formal writing, prefer `quizás`, `tal vez`, or `posiblemente`.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Natural
Using 'igual' to mean 'maybe' at the start of a sentence is a great way to make your spoken Spanish sound more natural and less like a textbook. It shows you're thinking about possibilities.
Tratar a alguien como a un igual (To treat someone as an equal).
igual(Noun)
equal
?A person of the same status, rank, or ability.
peer
?Someone in the same social or professional group.
📝 In Action
Como su jefe, no puede tratarlo como a un igual.
B2As his boss, he cannot treat him as an equal.
Entre iguales, la competición es más justa.
C1Among peers, the competition is fairer.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Flexibility
Although the dictionary form is masculine (el igual), you can use it for anyone. You might see una igual for a female peer, but it's common to use un igual for everyone when speaking generally.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about Status
Use this noun when you're specifically talking about social, professional, or hierarchical relationships. The phrase de igual a igual is great for describing a conversation between people on the same level.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: igual
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'igual' to mean 'maybe'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'igual que' and 'igual a'?
In most everyday situations, there's no real difference! You can use them interchangeably to say something is 'the same as' something else. For example, 'Tu camisa es igual que la mía' and 'Tu camisa es igual a la mía' both mean 'Your shirt is the same as mine'.
Is 'igual' always informal when it means 'maybe'?
Yes, it's best to think of it as informal. It's perfect for conversations with friends, but in a formal email, a presentation, or an academic paper, you should use more formal words like 'posiblemente', 'quizás', or 'tal vez'.
Can I say 'iguala' or 'iguales' when using it as an adverb?
No. When 'igual' is used as an adverb (to describe *how* something is, like in 'igual de alto'), it never changes. It's always 'igual'. It only changes to 'iguales' when it's an adjective describing more than one noun (e.g., 'dos coches iguales').