Igual

In Spanish, 'igual' (pronounced ee-GWAHL) primarily means 'equal,' 'same,' or 'alike.' It signifies a lack of difference or variation in quantity, degree, size, or value between two or more things. It can be applied to compare various attributes, including objects, amounts, qualities, and people. Its usage extends to situations where things are considered equivalent, identical, or on par with each other. The nuance depends on context, sometimes translating to 'fair' or 'even' when discussing distribution or treatment. Its broad applicability makes it a foundational word in expressing comparisons and establishing equivalencies.

Igual meaning with examples

• Los dos hermanos tienen la misma edad; son iguales. (The two brothers are the same age; they are equal.) This example highlights the equality in age between the siblings. Their years are identical, signifying a shared stage of life. The comparison focuses on the attribute of age and their sameness.
• Para resolver la ecuación, ambos lados deben ser iguales. (To solve the equation, both sides must be equal.) This pertains to mathematical equality. Each side of the equation carries the same value and can be used as the basis for resolving the equation. The two sides are on par with each other.
• El precio de este producto es igual al del otro. (The price of this product is the same as the other.) Here, 'igual' refers to identical monetary value. The comparison underlines an equivalency between the cost of two different goods. No price difference exists, creating a baseline value.
• Ella y su hermana son casi idénticas; son muy iguales. (She and her sister are almost identical; they are very alike.) This exemplifies the similarity between two individuals. Their traits and appearances show how identical they are, implying a strong degree of resemblance.