soy como
/soi komo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase soy como means "I am like".
This phrase is used to describe oneself by comparing their personality or characteristics to something else.
What does it mean word for word?
The word soy is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb ser (to be), and como means "like" or "as".
Which one should you use?
Use soy como for comparisons of character or appearance, whereas estoy como would imply a temporary state or a specific location/manner, which is not used for personality traits.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject to "you" (informal), replace soy with eres. To change the subject to "he", "she" or "you" (formal), replace soy with es.
Did you know?
- While soy como is grammatically correct for comparisons, Spanish speakers frequently use soy el vivo retrato de to say they are the 'living portrait' of someone, usually a parent.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, comparing oneself to an animal using soy como can carry strong social connotations. For instance, comparing oneself to a 'lion' or 'ant' often refers to specific cultural virtues like bravery or hard work.
- The word como is a cognate with the Italian come and the French comme, as all three descended from a non-literary Latin word for 'how'.
Examples in context
- Soy como mi padre.I am like my father.This sentence is useful for using soy como to compare yourself to your father.Tatoeba #1741704 by Shishir, translation #1741261 by Amastan
- Soy como mi madre.I am like my mother.This sentence is useful for using soy como to compare yourself to your mother.Tatoeba #1741705 by Shishir, translation #1741257 by Amastan
- Soy como mi hermana.I am like my sister.This sentence is useful for using soy como to compare yourself to your sister.Tatoeba #1741712 by Shishir, translation #1741253 by Amastan
- Soy como un libro abierto.I am like an open book.
- Soy como un niño en un parque de diversiones.I am like a kid in an amusement park.
- Me parezco a mi abuelo.I look like my grandfather.
- Me parezco a mi hermana.I resemble my sister.
- Me parezco al actor famoso.I look like the famous actor.
- Soy como mi mamá.I am like my mom.
- Soy como un libro.I am like a book.
- Soy como un pez en el agua.I am like a fish in water.
- Me parezco a mi mejor amigo.I look like my best friend.
- Me parezco a mi perrito.I resemble my little dog.
- Me parezco a mi vecina.I look like my neighbor.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their different personalities.
- DanielYo soy como un libro abierto.I am like an open book.
- Elena¿En serio? Yo soy muy reservada.Really? I am very reserved.
- DanielEs verdad, soy muy transparente.It is true, I am very transparent.
- ElenaQué envidia, Daniel.I'm so jealous, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries como, soy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
