Inklingo

How to Say "peer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

igual

/ee-GWAL//iˈɣwal/

nounB2general
Use 'igual' when referring to someone of the same social or professional standing, emphasizing equality.
Two simple figures of the same height shaking hands firmly across a small table, symbolizing a professional meeting between equals.

Examples

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

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

Entre iguales, la competición es más justa.

Among peers, the competition is fairer.

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.

par

/pahr//paɾ/

nounB2general
Choose 'par' when you mean someone of the same status or rank, often in a professional or social context where equality of standing is highlighted.
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.

lord

/lord//loɾd/

nounB2formal
Use 'lord' specifically when referring to a member of the British House of Lords, a formal title of nobility.
A distinguished nobleman wearing elaborate red velvet robes and a small gold coronet on his head, signifying a British title.

Examples

Leí una novela sobre un joven lord que hereda un castillo escocés.

I read a novel about a young lord who inherits a Scottish castle.

El Lord Mayor de Londres es una figura ceremonial importante para la ciudad.

The Lord Mayor of London is an important ceremonial figure for the city.

Muchos lords tienen asientos en la Cámara Alta del Parlamento británico.

Many lords have seats in the Upper House of the British Parliament.

Always Masculine

Even though this word is a title, it is always treated as a masculine noun in Spanish: 'el lord', 'los lords'.

Using 'Señor'

Mistake: “Using 'señor' when referring to a specific British title of nobility.”

Correction: While 'señor' is often used for 'sir' or 'mister', for the formal British title, the anglicism 'lord' is almost always preferred in Spanish media and literature.

Confusing Igual and Par

Learners often confuse 'igual' and 'par' because both relate to equal status. Remember that 'igual' is more about general equality, while 'par' specifically emphasizes equivalent rank or standing, often in a professional setting.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.