semejante
/seh-meh-HAHN-teh/
similar
Semejante means 'similar' or 'alike.' These two apples are quite semejante.
semejante(adjective)
similar
?having features in common
,alike
?used for comparison
corresponding
?matching something else
📝 In Action
Mi perro y el tuyo son muy semejantes, tienen el mismo color de pelaje.
A2My dog and yours are very similar; they have the same fur color.
No he visto una reacción semejante en toda mi vida.
B1I haven't seen a similar reaction in my entire life.
Encontró una solución semejante a la que yo propuse.
B2She found a solution similar to the one I proposed.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
Since 'semejante' ends in '-e', it doesn't change form whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'un coche semejante' or 'una idea semejante'). Only the plural form changes: 'semejantes'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'parecer'
Mistake: "Using 'semejante' as a verb (e.g., 'El coche semejante a un camión')."
Correction: Use the verb 'parecer' (to seem/look like): 'El coche se parece a un camión'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'a' for Comparison
When comparing two specific things, 'semejante' is often followed by the preposition 'a' (similar to): 'Tu estilo es semejante al mío'.
When used for emphasis, semejante translates to 'such a,' highlighting something extraordinary or surprising, like 'such a' large ice cream spill.
semejante(adjective)
such a
?used for strong emphasis or surprise
,so great
?emphasizing magnitude
this type of
?referring emphatically to a category
📝 In Action
¡Nunca había visto semejante cantidad de gente en la plaza!
B2I had never seen such a quantity of people in the square!
¿Cómo pudiste decir semejante tontería?
C1How could you say such a piece of nonsense?
Se necesita un esfuerzo semejante para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
C1Such a great effort is needed to finish the project on time.
💡 Grammar Points
Emphatic Placement
In this meaning, 'semejante' usually comes before the noun it describes, acting like an intensifier, similar to 'tal' (such).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Shock
Use this meaning when you are surprised or shocked by the magnitude or nature of something: 'Semejante error!' (What an error!)
As a noun, semejante refers to a 'fellow human being' or neighbor, emphasizing our shared existence.
semejante(noun)
fellow human being
?used broadly to refer to other people
counterpart
?a person or thing that corresponds to another
,like
?a similar object or person
📝 In Action
Debemos amar a nuestro prójimo y a nuestro semejante.
C1We must love our neighbor and our fellow human being.
La justicia debe ser igual para todos los semejantes.
C2Justice must be equal for all fellow humans.
Nunca encontré un semejante que compartiera mi pasión.
C1I never found a counterpart who shared my passion.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Use
When used as a noun, 'semejante' usually refers to a person, especially in the plural 'los semejantes' (mankind or peers).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Reserve this noun usage for formal, ethical, or literary discussions. In everyday talk, use 'otras personas' or 'alguien parecido'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: semejante
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'semejante' to emphasize the large size of something?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'semejante' change for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, as an adjective, 'semejante' always ends in '-e' and is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. It only changes to 'semejantes' for plural nouns.
How is 'semejante' different from 'parecido'?
They are often interchangeable when meaning 'similar.' 'Parecido' is slightly more common in everyday spoken Spanish, while 'semejante' can sound a bit more formal, especially when used to mean 'such a great' (meaning #2).