How to Say "akin" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “akin” is “similar” — use 'similar' when comparing two things that share common characteristics or resemblances, like objects or abstract concepts..
similar
/see-mee-LAR//si.miˈlaɾ/
Examples
Mi teléfono es muy similar al tuyo, pero el color es diferente.
My phone is very similar to yours, but the color is different.
Las ideas de los dos candidatos son similares en muchos puntos.
The two candidates' ideas are similar in many respects.
El sabor de esta fruta es similar a una manzana, aunque un poco más dulce.
The flavor of this fruit is similar to an apple, although a little sweeter.
Stays the Same for Gender
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'similar' is 'invariable' for gender, meaning it describes both masculine and feminine things without changing its ending (e.g., 'un coche similar' and 'una casa similar').
The Plural Form
To make 'similar' plural, you just add '-es': 'similares' (e.g., 'dos libros similares', 'varias ideas similares').
Forgetting 'a' when comparing
Mistake: “Esto es similar el otro.”
Correction: Esto es similar al otro. (This is similar to the other one.) 'Similar' almost always needs the preposition 'a' (to/than) when comparing two things.
pariente
pah-ree-EN-tay/paˈɾjente/
Examples
La crisis económica es pariente de la inestabilidad política.
The economic crisis is related to political instability.
Estos dos idiomas son parientes cercanos, por eso se parecen tanto.
These two languages are close relatives (related), that's why they are so similar.
Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'
When used as an adjective, 'pariente' almost always goes with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe an inherent connection or relationship between two things.
'Similar' vs. 'Pariente' for abstract connections
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.