What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the neuter article lo and the adjective mismo, which together form a substantive noun phrase meaning 'the same thing'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between using lo mismo and using the adjectives mismo or misma. Use mismo (masculine) or misma (feminine) to modify a specific noun, while lo mismo acts as a standalone pronoun to mean 'the same thing'. Additionally, to express that something is done 'in the same way', you can use mismamente, del mismo modo or de la misma manera / forma.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
lo mismo is a neuter noun phrase used to express the concept of 'the same thing' or 'the same' in an abstract sense.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo mismo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using el mismo when you mean 'the same thing' in an abstract sense. Instead, use the neuter form lo mismo for abstract concepts or unspecified things.
When do people say it?
The phrase Lo mismo digo is a common idiomatic response. It is used to return a greeting or a compliment, functioning similarly to 'Likewise' or 'Same to you' in English.
Did you know?
- The word mismo can be placed after a noun to add intense emphasis, meaning 'the very' instead of just 'the same'.
- In some contexts, lo mismo can be used as a shorthand for da lo mismo, which means 'it is all the same' or 'it does not matter'.
- In casual conversation, you can replace the longer Lo mismo digo with the single word ¡Igual! to mean 'the same to you'.
Examples in context
- No es lo mismo.It's not the same.This sentence is useful for showing a negation of equality using lo mismo.Tatoeba #1622947 by Alba, translation #2006476 by Spamster
- Yo sentí lo mismo.I felt the same way.This sentence is useful for expressing that an emotion was shared using lo mismo.Tatoeba #1619817 by Shishir, translation #1582008 by Spamster
- Yo diría lo mismo.I'd say the same thing.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to say the same thing using lo mismo.Tatoeba #2828790 by marcelostockle, translation #2546731 by CK
- Todos los miembros del comité tienen la misma opinión.All committee members have the same opinion.
- Ambas propuestas son idénticas.Both proposals are the same.
- Queremos encontrar soluciones análogas para estos problemas.We want to find similar solutions to these problems.
- Los dos libros son los mismos.Both books are the same.
- ¡Tienes el peinado igualito que tu hermano!You have the exact same hairstyle as your brother!
- ¡Ambos coches son la misma cosa!Both cars are the same thing!
- 167 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are choosing what to eat at a restaurant.
- MaríaYo quiero lo mismo que tú.I want the same as you.
- AlejandroEstá bien, pediremos lo mismo.Alright, we will order the same thing.
- María¿De verdad quieres lo mismo?Do you really want the same thing?
- AlejandroSí, lo mismo me parece perfecto.Yes, the same thing sounds perfect to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
