mismas
/MEE-smas/
same
As an adjective meaning 'same' or 'identical,' mismas describes two or more feminine objects that are exactly alike.
mismas(adjective)
same
?identical
,very (emphasizing the noun)
?for emphasis: 'the very books'
identical
?when comparing items
📝 In Action
Siempre compramos las mismas marcas de ropa.
A1We always buy the same brands of clothing.
Recibimos las mismas excusas de siempre.
A2We received the usual (same old) excuses.
Las mismas palabras que me dijiste ayer.
B1The very words you told me yesterday.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'mismas' is describing a feminine plural noun (like 'flores' or 'marcas'), it must end in '-as' to match.
Placement
When meaning 'the same,' this word usually comes before the noun it describes: 'las mismas reglas' (the same rules).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Article
Mistake: "Compramos mismas flores."
Correction: Compramos *las* mismas flores. (Always use the article 'las' before 'mismas' when it means 'the same'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emphasis
You can use 'mismas' right after a noun for strong emphasis, meaning 'the very' or 'the actual': 'Las reglas mismas cambiaron' (The rules themselves changed).
Used as a pronoun, mismas means 'the same ones,' referring back to a previously mentioned set of identical feminine plural nouns.
mismas(pronoun)
the same ones
?referring to feminine plural nouns
,themselves
?used after a preposition or for reflexive emphasis
the actual ones
?emphasis
📝 In Action
No quiero estas sillas, quiero las mismas que vimos ayer.
B1I don't want these chairs, I want the same ones we saw yesterday.
Las niñas hicieron las galletas ellas mismas.
B2The girls made the cookies themselves (on their own).
Las respuestas llegaron en las mismas.
C1The answers arrived in the same ones (referring, perhaps, to 'sobres'—envelopes).
💡 Grammar Points
Standing Alone
As a pronoun, 'las mismas' replaces a feminine plural noun. Think of it as shorthand to avoid repetition.
Emphatic Use
When used after a pronoun (like 'ellas mismas'), it adds emphasis, meaning 'they themselves' or 'on their own,' similar to saying 'by hand' or 'personally.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Pronoun and Adjective
Mistake: "Quiero las mismas nuevas."
Correction: Quiero las nuevas. (If 'mismas' is used, it usually refers back to a specific item. If you mean 'the new ones,' you usually drop 'mismas' unless you are specifically comparing them to the old ones.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to People
It is often used to refer back to a group of women or girls: 'Ellas estaban cansadas, las mismas que vinieron antes.' (They were tired, the same ones who came earlier.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mismas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mismas' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'mismas' and 'iguales'?
'Mismas' usually emphasizes that two things are *identical* or *one and the same* ('We read the same books'). 'Iguales' means they are similar or equal in quality ('These books are equal in quality'). They are often interchangeable, but 'mismas' is stronger for identity.
Why does 'mismas' require 'las' in front of it most of the time?
When 'mismas' means 'the same,' it acts like a regular adjective that needs the definite article 'las' to tell you which specific group of things you are talking about (the specific, same group). 'Las' is required because 'mismas' is defining a specific group.