How to Say "to equal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to equal” is “igualar” — use 'igualar' when referring to reaching the same level or score as someone or something else, often in a competitive context..
igualar
/ee-gwa-LAHR//i.ɣwaˈlaɾ/
Examples
El equipo logró igualar el marcador en el último minuto.
The team managed to tie the score in the last minute.
Necesito igualar las patas de esta silla porque cojea.
I need to level the legs of this chair because it wobbles.
Nadie ha podido igualar su récord de natación.
No one has been able to match his swimming record.
Igualar vs. Ser igual
Use 'igualar' when you are taking an action to make things the same. Use 'ser igual' to describe two things that are already the same.
Using 'a' with People
When 'igualar' means matching or being as good as a specific person, you must use the 'personal a': 'Nadie puede igualar a María'.
Matching the Score
Mistake: “Nadie puede igual el récord.”
Correction: Nadie puede igualar el récord. (Make sure to use the full verb form, not just the adjective 'igual').
empatar
/em-pah-TAR//empaˈtaɾ/
Examples
Ella empató el récord mundial de salto de altura.
She matched the world record for high jump.
Es difícil empatar las ventas del año pasado.
It is difficult to match last year's sales.
Nadie ha podido empatar su marca personal todavía.
Nobody has been able to equal his personal best yet.
Direct objects
When empatar means 'to match a record,' the record is the direct object—the thing being acted upon. You don't need 'a' here unless the record is personified.
equivaler
/eh-kee-bah-LEHR//ekibaˈleɾ/
Examples
Un kilogramo equivale a mil gramos.
One kilogram equals one thousand grams.
Su silencio equivale a una confirmación.
Her silence amounts to a confirmation.
Estas dos ofertas equivalen a lo mismo al final del día.
These two offers are equivalent to the same thing at the end of the day.
The Magic 'A'
This verb almost always needs the word 'a' after it to connect it to the second thing you're comparing. Think of it as 'equals TO' in English.
A Hidden 'G'
Just like the word 'valer' (to be worth), 'equivaler' adds a 'g' in the 'I' form (equivalgo) and in its 'wish form' (equivalga).
Forgetting the 'A'
Mistake: “Un euro equivale cien céntimos.”
Correction: Un euro equivale A cien céntimos. You must use 'a' to link the two values.
Matching achievements vs. Scores
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.