Inklingo

How to Say "identical" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “identical” is “idéntico” — use 'idéntico' when you want to say that two things are exactly the same, often when making a direct comparison.

English → Spanish

idéntico

adjectiveA2
Use 'idéntico' when you want to say that two things are exactly the same, often when making a direct comparison.

Examples

Tengo un abrigo idéntico al tuyo.

I have a coat identical to yours.

mismas

MEE-smasˈmismas

adjectiveA1
Use 'mismas' when referring to the exact same items, brands, or instances, especially in the plural when comparing choices or repetitions.
Two identical simple blue dresses hanging side by side against a neutral background.

Examples

Siempre compramos las mismas marcas de ropa.

We always buy the same brands of clothing.

Recibimos las mismas excusas de siempre.

We received the usual (same old) excuses.

Las mismas palabras que me dijiste ayer.

The very words you told me yesterday.

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).

Forgetting the Article

Mistake: “Compramos mismas flores.”

Correction: Compramos *las* mismas flores. (Always use the article 'las' before 'mismas' when it means 'the same'.)

iguales

ee-GWAH-lesiˈɣwales

adjectiveA1
Use 'iguales' to indicate that things have the same value, status, or level, implying strong similarity or fairness.
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.)

gemela

heh-MEH-lahxeˈmela

adjectiveB1
Use 'gemela' specifically for things that are perfectly matched or paired, like twin towers or twins.
Two identical red apples sitting side-by-side on a wooden table.

Examples

Las dos ciudades tienen torres gemelas en el centro.

The two cities have twin towers in the center.

Compré dos sillas gemelas para el comedor.

I bought two identical chairs for the dining room.

Agreement with nouns

This word must match the thing it describes. Use 'gemela' for one feminine thing and 'gemelas' for two or more feminine things.

uniformes

oo-nee-FOR-mesu.ni.ˈfor.mes

adjectiveB2
Use 'uniformes' to describe things that are all exactly the same in appearance or type, often applied to a group of objects or buildings.
A row of identical red apples perfectly aligned on a white shelf.

Examples

Las casas en este barrio son todas uniformes.

The houses in this neighborhood are all uniform.

Buscamos resultados uniformes en todos los experimentos.

We are looking for consistent results in all the experiments.

One size fits all genders

Adjectives that end in 'e' like 'uniforme' don't change for masculine or feminine things. They only change for singular or plural.

Confusing 'mismas' and 'idéntico'

Learners often confuse 'mismas' and 'idéntico'. Remember that 'idéntico' is used for direct comparison of two specific items ('my coat is identical to yours'), while 'mismas' refers to the exact same type or instance, usually when discussing choices or repeated items ('we buy the same brands').

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