Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Equal in Spanish: Igual
Igual · adjective · ee-GWAHL
Igual is the Spanish word for equal, same, or alike. It is one of the most versatile words in Spanish, used for comparisons, mathematical equality, and colloquial expressions like da igual (it doesn't matter). The adverb form igualmente means equally or likewise.
Pronounce igual as ee-GWAHL, stressing the second syllable. The gu combination before a produces a gw sound.
Todos somos iguales ante la ley.
We are all equal before the law.
Equal in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for equal, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| igual | equal | ee-GWAHL | Default, widely understood |
| equitativo | equal | formal/legal: equitable | |
| parejo | equal | Latin America: even, level |
How Native Speakers Use Igual
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Comparing two things
Estas dos camisetas son iguales en tamaño.
These two shirts are equal in size.
Igual is invariable in form — it does not change for gender, only for number (iguales).
Expressing indifference
Me da igual si vamos al cine o nos quedamos en casa.
It's all the same to me whether we go to the movies or stay home.
Da igual and me da igual are extremely common phrases meaning it doesn't matter.
Mathematics
Dos más dos es igual a cuatro.
Two plus two equals four.
In math, es igual a is how you express the equals sign verbally.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Igual
Adding gender endings to igual
Incorrect: Estas casas son igualas.
Correct: Estas casas son iguales.
Igual does not have masculine or feminine forms. It only changes for number: igual (singular) and iguales (plural).
Using igual when meaning even or still
Incorrect: Igual no entiendo la pregunta.
Correct: Aun así no entiendo la pregunta.
In some regions, igual can informally mean maybe or even so, but this usage is colloquial and can cause confusion. In standard Spanish, use aun así or de todas formas for clarity.
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Common Questions About Equal in Spanish
- How do you say equal in Spanish?
- Equal in Spanish is igual. It works as an adjective (somos iguales — we are equal), in math (es igual a — equals), and in colloquial phrases (da igual — it doesn't matter).
- Does igual change for masculine and feminine?
- Igual does not change based on gender. It stays the same whether describing a masculine or feminine noun. The only change is singular igual versus plural iguales.
- What does igualmente mean?
- Igualmente means equally or likewise. It is frequently used as a polite response when someone wishes you well — for example, if someone says Que tengas un buen día, you can reply Igualmente to mean You too or Likewise.