Inklingo

How to Say "identical" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “identical” is “mismas” — use 'mismas' when comparing two or more items that are exactly the same, often referring to things you possess or choose repeatedly..

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mismas

MEE-smas/ˈmismas/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'mismas' when comparing two or more items that are exactly the same, often referring to things you possess or choose repeatedly.
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-les/iˈɣwales/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'iguales' to convey a strong sense of sameness or equality, particularly when discussing abstract concepts like rights or opportunities.
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-lah//xeˈmela/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'gemela' specifically for things that are perfectly matched or paired, most commonly used for twins or duplicate structures.
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-mes//u.ni.ˈfor.mes/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'uniformes' when describing a set of things that are all exactly the same in appearance or style, creating a sense of homogeneity.
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.

Mismas vs. Iguales

Learners often confuse 'mismas' and 'iguales'. Remember that 'mismas' is typically used when referring to the exact same items (like brands or objects), while 'iguales' is broader and often used for abstract concepts like opportunities or outcomes.

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