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How to Say "similarity" in Spanish

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parecido

pah-reh-SEE-dohpaɾeˈsiðo

nounB1general
Use 'parecido' when referring to a noticeable resemblance, especially between people, often focusing on physical appearance or a strong, obvious likeness.
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
Employ 'semejanza' to describe shared traits or characteristics that make things or people alike, highlighting commonalities in their nature or attributes.
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

nounB1formal
Choose 'similitud' for a more abstract or formal term indicating the state or fact of being similar, often used in academic or technical contexts.
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).

Parecido vs. Semejanza/Similitud

Learners often confuse 'parecido' with 'semejanza' and 'similitud'. Remember that 'parecido' usually implies a more direct, often visual, resemblance, especially between people. 'Semejanza' and 'similitud' are broader and can refer to more abstract or general shared qualities.

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