When we want to express that something or someone has the same qualities as something or someone else, for example Paul is as tall as John, the most common way to express this in Spanish is to use tan ... como.
See Using tan ... como = as ... as (comparatives with adjectives and adverbs)
But there is another way to express this.
Igual de... que
With adjectives
Mi pueblo es igual de bonito que el tuyo.My town is as nice as yours.
Su hija es igual de alta que Carmen.Her daughter is as tall as Carmen.
Los padres de Javier son igual de estrictos que sus abuelos.Javier's parents are as strict as his grandparents.
Las fiestas de Sevilla son igual de divertidas que las fiestas de Cádiz.Festivities in Seville are as fun as festivities in Cádiz.
Fernando es igual de inteligente que sus primos.Fernando is as intelligent as his cousins.
Note: as always, adjectives need to agree in number and gender with the noun they refer to. However "igual de" is invariable.
Important:
When we are comparing two people/animals/things with each other, and we use the plural as the subject, we don't need to add "que". For example:
Ese gato es igual de lindo que el otro gato.That cat is as cute as the other cat.
Esos dos gatos son igual de lindos.Those two cats are as cute as each other.
With adverbs
Mi jefe trabaja igual de duro que sus empleados.My boss works as hard as his employees.
Marisa baila igual de bien que Carlota.Marisa dances as well as Carlota.
Mi abuela sabe coser igual de maravillosamente que cuando era joven.My grandma knows how to sew as beautifully as when she was young.
Igual que
We can also use igual que when the comparison is about someone doing something in the same way or the same quantity as another person. For example:
Mi hijo ronca igual que su padre.My son snores like his dad. (the same way, e.g. loudly, continuously...)
Te ríes igual que esa famosa.You laugh like that celebrity. (the same way)
He comido igual que él.I've eaten like him. (the same quantity)
See also:
Using tanto como with verbs and nouns to say as much/many ... as (comparatives) and Using tan ... como = as ... as (comparatives with adjectives and adverbs)Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
