Inklingo

How to Say "to compare" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to compare” is “comparar” — use 'comparar' when you are generally looking for similarities and differences between two or more things, like prices or options..

English → Spanish

comparar

kohm-pah-RAHR/kompaˈɾaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'comparar' when you are generally looking for similarities and differences between two or more things, like prices or options.
A person holding a red apple in one hand and a green apple in the other, looking closely at both.

Examples

Quiero comparar los precios de estas dos tiendas.

I want to compare the prices of these two stores.

No puedes comparar el clima de Madrid con el de Londres.

You can't compare the weather in Madrid with the one in London.

Ella está comparando las fotos para ver cuál es mejor.

She is comparing the photos to see which one is better.

Using the connector 'con'

When you compare one thing to another, you almost always use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Comparo mi coche con el tuyo'.

Using 'a' instead of 'con'

Mistake: “Comparo este libro a ese.”

Correction: Comparo este libro con ese. (While 'a' is sometimes used, 'con' is the standard for physical objects and qualities.)

contrastar

/kohn-trahs-TAHR//kontɾasˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'contrastar' specifically when you want to emphasize the differences between two things, concepts, or ideas.
A bright white circle placed directly next to a solid black circle on a neutral background.

Examples

Sus acciones contrastan con sus palabras.

His actions contrast with his words.

Me gusta cómo contrasta el color blanco sobre el fondo oscuro.

I like how the white color contrasts against the dark background.

Es interesante contrastar la cultura de España con la de México.

It is interesting to contrast the culture of Spain with that of Mexico.

Using 'Con' for Comparison

When you want to say you are contrasting one thing against another, always use the word 'con' (with) right after the verb.

A Regular Action

Good news! This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, so it has no tricky spelling changes in any tense.

Mistaking 'en contra' for 'contrastar'

Mistake: “Esa idea es contrastar a la mía.”

Correction: Esa idea contrasta con la mía. Why? Because you are comparing them, not fighting against them.

equipar

/eh-kee-par//ekiˈpaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'equipar' when you are drawing a parallel or equating one thing with another, often to make a point about their similarity in a specific aspect.
A classic balance scale with a red apple on one side and a green apple on the other, perfectly balanced.

Examples

No puedes equipar el éxito con el dinero.

You cannot equate success with money.

Es un error equipar ambas situaciones; son muy diferentes.

It is a mistake to equate both situations; they are very different.

Comparing with 'a'

When using this meaning, you are often 'equating A to B'. In Spanish, this follows the pattern 'equipar algo a otra cosa'.

Confusing with 'equalize'

Mistake: “Equipar el marcador.”

Correction: Empatar el marcador. Use 'empatar' for scores in sports, and 'equipar' for comparing abstract ideas.

confrontar

/kon-fron-TAR//koɱfɾonˈtaɾ/

verbC1formal
Use 'confrontar' when you are checking two items against each other to verify their accuracy or to see if they match exactly, often in a formal or investigative context.
Two identical red apples sitting side-by-side on a wooden table for comparison.

Examples

Debemos confrontar las copias con el original.

We must compare the copies with the original.

El historiador confrontó varios documentos para verificar la fecha.

The historian compared several documents to verify the date.

Use with 'con'

When comparing two things, use 'con' (with) to link them. For example: 'Confrontó la versión A con la versión B'.

Choosing Between Comparar and Contrastar

Learners often confuse 'comparar' and 'contrastar'. Remember that 'comparar' is a general term for looking at similarities and differences, while 'contrastar' specifically highlights only the differences.

Related Translations

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