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How to Say "resemblance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

parecido

pah-reh-SEE-dohpaɾeˈsiðo

nounB1general
Use 'parecido' when talking about a noticeable similarity, often in physical appearance but also for abstract qualities or even a general sense of looking alike.
Two small, identical brown teddy bears sitting facing forward, both wearing matching blue bow ties, emphasizing their strong physical resemblance.

Examples

Hay un gran parecido entre padre e hijo, sobre todo en los ojos.

There is a great resemblance between father and son, especially in the eyes.

Si ves a alguien con un parecido a mí, salúdalo.

If you see someone who looks like me (a likeness), say hello to them.

Using the Noun

As a noun, 'parecido' is masculine singular ('el parecido'). It usually works with the verbs 'tener' (to have) or 'encontrar' (to find): 'Tener un parecido' means 'to have a resemblance'.

semejanza

seh-meh-HAHN-sahsemeˈxansa

nounB1general
Choose 'semejanza' primarily for physical appearance, especially when comparing people or objects that look very much alike.
Two very similar red apples sitting side by side on a wooden table.

Examples

Hay una gran semejanza entre los dos hermanos.

There is a great resemblance between the two brothers.

La semejanza de sus ideas nos sorprendió a todos.

The similarity of their ideas surprised us all.

Es difícil encontrar alguna semejanza entre estos dos cuadros.

It is difficult to find any similarity between these two paintings.

Using 'Entre'

When comparing two things, use 'entre' (between) right after 'semejanza', just like in the sentence: 'la semejanza entre tú y yo'.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. Even if you are comparing two men, you must say 'la semejanza'.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Él es muy semejanza a su padre.”

Correction: Él es muy semejante a su padre (or 'Tiene una semejanza con su padre'). Use 'semejanza' for the 'thing' (the similarity) and 'semejante' to describe the person.

similitud

see-mee-lee-toodsimiliˈtuð

nounB1general
Opt for 'similitud' when emphasizing likeness in character, abstract qualities, or when comparing concepts and ideas rather than just physical looks.
Two identical bright red apples sitting side by side on a wooden table.

Examples

Hay una gran similitud entre los dos hermanos.

There is a great similarity between the two brothers.

La similitud de los resultados nos sorprendió a todos.

The similarity of the results surprised us all.

No encuentro ninguna similitud entre tu propuesta y la mía.

I don't find any similarity between your proposal and mine.

Always Feminine

Words ending in '-tud' in Spanish are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word: 'la similitud'.

Using 'Between' or 'With'

When comparing two things, use 'entre' (between). When comparing one thing to another specific thing, use 'con' (with).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el similitud”

Correction: la similitud. Words like gratitud, actitud, and similitud are always feminine.

Confusing with 'Similar'

Mistake: “es muy similitud”

Correction: es muy similar. Remember that 'similar' is a describing word (adjective), while 'similitud' is the name of the concept (noun).

Choosing Between Parecido, Semejanza, and Similitud

Learners often confuse 'semejanza' and 'similitud' as they both mean likeness. While 'semejanza' leans more towards physical appearance, 'similitud' is broader and can apply to abstract concepts or character traits. 'Parecido' is often the most versatile and common choice for general resemblance.

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