Inklingo

How to Say "equal" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “equal” is “igual” — use 'igual' as an adjective when referring to things that are the same in quantity, value, or if people have the same rights or status.

English → Spanish

igual

ee-GWALiˈɣwal

adjectiveA1general
Use 'igual' as an adjective when referring to things that are the same in quantity, value, or if people have the same rights or status.
Two identical bright red apples sitting next to each other on a clean white surface.

Examples

Tú y yo tenemos la misma edad, somos iguales.

You and I are the same age, we are equals.

Estos dos vestidos son casi iguales.

These two dresses are almost the same.

Todos los ciudadanos tienen iguales derechos.

All citizens have equal rights.

Como su jefe, no puede tratarlo como a un igual.

As his boss, he cannot treat him as an equal.

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.

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.

'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).

mismos

mís-mosˈmismos

adjectiveA1general
Use 'mismos' to emphasize that you want the exact same items or outcomes, focusing on identity in value or measure.
Two perfectly identical, bright blue five-pointed stars floating side by side against a simple light background, illustrating the concept of 'the same'.

Examples

Queremos los mismos resultados que el mes pasado.

We want the same results as last month.

Ellos viven en los mismos apartamentos.

They live in the same apartments.

Son los mismos errores de siempre.

They are the same mistakes as always.

Always Agrees

As an adjective, 'mismos' must match the noun it describes in number (plural) and gender (masculine). You use 'mismos' for masculine plural nouns.

Requires 'The'

When meaning 'the same,' 'mismos' almost always follows the definite article 'los' (los mismos problemas, los mismos días).

Using 'iguales' incorrectly

Mistake: “Tenemos problemas iguales.”

Correction: Tenemos los mismos problemas. ('Iguales' means similar, 'mismos' means identical/one and the same.)

iguales

ee-GWAH-lesiˈɣwales

adjectiveA1general
Use 'iguales' specifically when talking about equal rights, opportunities, or status, often in a more formal or abstract sense.
Two identical, geometrically simple, brightly colored human-shaped figures standing side-by-side on a perfectly level, shared platform, emphasizing equality of status.

Examples

Todos los estudiantes tienen oportunidades iguales.

All the students have equal opportunities.

Mis zapatos nuevos son exactamente iguales a los viejos.

My new shoes are exactly the same as the old ones.

Si los resultados son iguales, ¿qué hacemos?

If the results are the same, what do we do?

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.'

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.)

equivalente

eh-kee-bah-lehn-tehekibaˈlente

adjectiveB1general
Use 'equivalente' when comparing two things that match in amount, value, or function, often in a transactional or comparative context.
Two different sized bowls, one large bowl of water and two smaller bowls of water that together hold the same amount, balanced on a scale.

Examples

Buscamos un producto con un precio equivalente.

We are looking for a product with an equal price.

Diez euros son equivalentes a once dólares aproximadamente.

Ten euros are equal to approximately eleven dollars.

No hay una palabra equivalente en inglés para este sentimiento.

There is no corresponding word in English for this feeling.

One Form for All

This word is 'gender-neutral,' meaning it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine thing (un precio) or a feminine thing (una suma).

The 'A' Connection

When you want to say something is equivalent 'to' something else, always use the small word 'a' as the bridge.

The Feminine Trap

Mistake: “una cantidad equivalenta”

Correction: una cantidad equivalente; the word always ends in 'e' regardless of gender.

igual

ee-GWALiˈɣwal

nounB2general
Use 'igual' as a noun to refer to a person who has the same status, rank, or ability as you, implying peerage.
Two identical bright red apples sitting next to each other on a clean white surface.

Examples

Como su jefe, no puede tratarlo como a un igual.

As his boss, he cannot treat him as an equal.

Tú y yo tenemos la misma edad, somos iguales.

You and I are the same age, we are equals.

Estos dos vestidos son casi iguales.

These two dresses are almost the same.

Todos los ciudadanos tienen iguales derechos.

All citizens have equal rights.

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.

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.

'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).

par

pahrpaɾ

nounB2general
Use 'par' as a noun to refer to someone or something that is on the same level, often implying equality in skill or social standing.
Two cartoon figures, both wearing identical crowns and robes, standing together side-by-side, symbolizing equality.

Examples

El director lo trataba como a un par, no como a un empleado.

The director treated him as a peer, not as an employee.

Su talento no tiene par en el mundo de la música.

Her talent has no equal in the world of music.

Igual vs. Equivalente for 'equal'

Learners often confuse 'igual' and 'equivalente'. Use 'igual' for general sameness or equal rights, and 'equivalente' when comparing specific amounts or values that match, like prices or quantities.

Related Translations

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