mismo (prepositive)
The English word "same" is translated into Spanish as mismo (prepositive).
In Spanish, mismo is used to indicate that something is identical or not different. When placed before a noun as a prepositive, it functions to emphasize identity, often meaning "the very" (for example, el mismo hombre for "the very same man"). If you wish to refer to "the same thing" or use "the same" as a pronoun for an abstract concept or situation, use the neuter form lo mismo. Additionally, there are related phrases to express that something is done "in the same way," such as mismamente, del mismo modo or de la misma manera / forma.
Meaning: not different as regards self, identical (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mismo emphasizes identity (referring to the exact same one), the word igual is often used to describe things that are similar or equal in quality or appearance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mismo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, taking the forms mismo, misma, mismos or mismas. When used as a prepositive before a noun, it is used to emphasize identity.
Did you know?
- The evolution of mismo shows it was once a much longer, more complex word in Vulgar Latin called metipsimus.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says lo mismo when ordering food, they are not just saying 'the same', but are specifically requesting the exact same dish as the person before them.
- The phrase lo mismo can be used as a way to express indifference, similar to saying 'it is all the same to me' or 'I do not care'.
Examples in context
- ¡Igualmente!Same here!
- ¡Yo también!Me too!
- ¡Yo también! Me encanta sumergirme en historias fascinantes.Me too! I love immersing myself in fascinating stories.
- Adoro el chocolate.I adore chocolate.
- ¡Igualmente! Seguro que la pasaremos genial explorando la ciudad.Same here! I'm sure we'll have a great time exploring the city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “same” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mismo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
