iguales
/ee-GWAH-les/
equal
The image shows two figures who are exactly the same size and stature, illustrating the concept of being equal (iguales).
iguales(Adjective)
equal
?referring to rights or status
,the same
?referring to appearance or identity
,alike
?referring to similarity
identical
?very strong similarity
📝 In Action
Todos los estudiantes tienen oportunidades iguales.
A2All the students have equal opportunities.
Mis zapatos nuevos son exactamente iguales a los viejos.
A1My new shoes are exactly the same as the old ones.
Si los resultados son iguales, ¿qué hacemos?
B1If the results are the same, what do we do?
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Doesn't Change
Unlike most Spanish adjectives, 'igual' (and 'iguales') is used for both masculine and feminine nouns. You only need to worry about making it plural.
Use with 'Ser'
You almost always use 'iguales' with the verb 'ser' (to be) to state that two things share the same quality or identity: 'Ellas son iguales.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Ser and Estar
Mistake: "Mis padres están iguales."
Correction: Mis padres son iguales. (Use 'ser' because equality is a fixed characteristic, not a temporary state.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Comparing Items
Use 'iguales' to compare two groups of things. If you are comparing two single things, use the singular form 'igual': 'Este libro es igual a ese.'
This illustration shows the action of ensuring two items match (iguales).
iguales(Verb)
that you match
?tú form, command/wish
,that you level out
?tú form, necessity
that you equal
?tú form, possibility
📝 In Action
No quiero que tú iguales mi récord; es imposible.
B2I don't want you to match my record; it's impossible.
Quizás necesites que iguales las baldosas antes de pintar.
C1Perhaps you need to level out the tiles before painting.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive 'Tú' Form
This specific verb form, 'iguales,' is used when you are giving an indirect negative command or expressing a wish or doubt directed at an informal 'you' (tú). It requires a word like 'que' (that) or a verb expressing emotion first.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: "Quiero que tú igualas el puntaje."
Correction: Quiero que tú iguales el puntaje. (The verb 'querer' (to want) requires the subjunctive mood for the second verb.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: iguales
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'iguales' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'igual' and 'iguales'?
'Igual' is the singular form (used for one thing or two singular things being compared: 'Este es igual a ese'). 'Iguales' is the plural form (used for multiple things: 'Ellos son iguales').
Can 'iguales' be used as a noun?
While it is primarily an adjective, you might hear it used in phrases like 'los iguales' (the equals or the peers), but this usage is less common than the adjective form.