Inklingo

How to Say "the same" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “the same” is “mismos” — use 'mismos' to indicate identity or sameness when referring to things or people, often implying 'the very same'. It's frequently used in phrases like 'the same results' or 'the same day'..

English → Spanish

mismos

/mís-mos//ˈmismos/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'mismos' to indicate identity or sameness when referring to things or people, often implying 'the very same'. It's frequently used in phrases like 'the same results' or 'the same day'.
Two perfectly identical, bright blue five-pointed stars floating side by side against a simple light background, illustrating the concept of 'the same'.

Examples

Queremos los mismos resultados que el mes pasado.

We want the same results as last month.

Ellos viven en los mismos apartamentos.

They live in the same apartments.

Son los mismos errores de siempre.

They are the same mistakes as always.

Always Agrees

As an adjective, 'mismos' must match the noun it describes in number (plural) and gender (masculine). You use 'mismos' for masculine plural nouns.

Requires 'The'

When meaning 'the same,' 'mismos' almost always follows the definite article 'los' (los mismos problemas, los mismos días).

Using 'iguales' incorrectly

Mistake: “Tenemos problemas iguales.”

Correction: Tenemos los mismos problemas. ('Iguales' means similar, 'mismos' means identical/one and the same.)

iguales

ee-GWAH-les/iˈɣwales/

AdjectiveA1General
Employ 'iguales' when comparing two or more things or people that are identical in appearance, quality, or value, often translated as 'equal' or 'alike'. It emphasizes a lack of difference.
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.)

dicha

/DEE-chah//ˈditʃa/

AdjectiveB1Formal
Use 'dicha' (feminine form) to refer to something previously mentioned or 'aforementioned', specifically when the noun it modifies is feminine. It's more formal than 'mismos' or 'iguales'.
A woman standing in a garden, pointing back towards a house that was mentioned earlier.

Examples

Dicha ley entrará en vigor el próximo mes.

The aforementioned law will take effect next month.

Habló con la vecina y dicha mujer le contó todo.

He spoke with the neighbor and said woman told him everything.

Matching the Noun

This word must match the gender of what you are talking about. Use 'dicha' for feminine things (like 'la carta') and 'dicho' for masculine things (like 'el contrato').

Using 'dicha' for plural things

Mistake: “Dicha personas.”

Correction: You must make it plural: 'Dichas personas' (Those said people).

Confusing 'mismos' and 'iguales'

Learners often confuse 'mismos' and 'iguales' because both can relate to sameness. Remember that 'mismos' emphasizes identity ('the very same'), while 'iguales' emphasizes equality or similarity ('alike' or 'equal').

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