How to Say "to equate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to equate” is “comparar” — use 'comparar' when you are pointing out similarities or differences between two distinct concepts or things, often using figurative language.
Use 'comparar' when you are pointing out similarities or differences between two distinct concepts or things, often using figurative language.
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Use 'equipar' when you are asserting that two different things are equal in value, importance, or status, which is often an incorrect assertion.
Learn more →kohm-pah-RAHRkompaˈɾaɾ
Examples
El poeta compara la vida con un río.
The poet likens life to a river.
No puedes comparar la libertad con el dinero.
You cannot equate freedom with money.
eh-kee-parekiˈpaɾ
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.
Comparar vs. Equipar
Learners often confuse 'comparar' and 'equipar'. Remember that 'comparar' is about drawing parallels or contrasts (likening), while 'equipar' implies a direct assertion of equality, often to argue against it.
Related Translations
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