similar
/simiˈlaɾ/
The English word "similar" can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most commonly similar. Wiktionary also lists semejante and parecido.
Meaning: having traits or characteristics in common, alike, comparable (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| similar | /simiˈlaɾ/ |
| semejante | /semeˈxante/ |
| parecido | /paɾeˈθido/ /paɾeˈsido/ |
| equiparable | /ekipaˈɾable/ |
These terms are used to describe things that have traits or characteristics in common, being alike or comparable.
Which one should you use?
While similar is a direct cognate, parecido is more frequently used in casual conversation to describe physical resemblance or things that look alike. Semejante can also function as a determiner meaning "such" (for example, semejante error means "such an error").
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of similar is similares. The feminine singular form of parecido is parecida. When using parecido to say something is similar to something else, you must use the preposition a (for example, Es parecido a su padre).
How do you pronounce it?
/simiˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word semejante can be used as an intensifier to express shock or indignation. Saying ¡Semejante mentira! doesn't just mean the lie is similar to another, but that it is 'such a huge' or 'outrageous' lie.
- The word parecido comes from the verb parecer, which also means 'to seem'. In Spanish, saying something is 'similar' is linguistically tied to the idea of how something 'appears' to the observer.
- The term semejante is closely related to the Galician word semellante and the Portuguese semelhante, showing how 'similarity' is a shared concept across the Iberian Peninsula.
Examples in context
- Tuve una reacción similar.I had a similar reaction.This sentence shows how to use similar to describe a reaction.Tatoeba #10111003 by manufrutos, translation #10110959 by ddnktr
- Nosotros somos muy similares.We are very similar.This sentence shows how to use similar in its plural form similares to describe people.Tatoeba #1296953 by marcelostockle, translation #991998 by CK
- A mí me parecen muy parecidos.They look very similar to me.This sentence shows how to use parecido to describe things that look alike.Tatoeba #1509672 by marcelostockle, translation #1497692 by Spamster
- Estos dos cuadros son similaresThese two paintings are similar
- Mis hermanos son igualesMy siblings are similar/alike
- Él tiene un parecido sorprendente con su padreHe has a striking resemblance to his father
- Esa situación es semejante a lo que viví hace añosThat situation is similar to what I experienced years ago
- risa parecidaSimilar laugh
- risas parecidasSimilar laughs
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are comparing their new smartphones.
- MaríaMi teléfono es muy similar al tuyo.My phone is very similar to yours.
- AlejandroSí, tienen casi las mismas funciones.Yes, they have almost the same functions.
- María¿Crees que el precio sea similar?Do you think the price is similar?
- AlejandroProbablemente, porque son de la misma marca.Probably, because they are from the same brand.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “similar” translations and entries similar, semejante, parecido, equiparable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
