alguien como tú
/alɡjen komo tu/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'someone like you' is translated into Spanish as alguien como tú.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alguien (someone), como (like/as) and tú (you).
Which one should you use?
You can also use alguien como usted for a formal version or alguien con sus cualidades to say 'someone with your qualities'.
Did you know?
- The word tú is a cognate of the archaic English pronoun 'thou'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *túh₂.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, when you use alguien como usted to praise a person, you are not just being polite, you are often signaling a profound level of social respect for their status.
- The pronoun tú is written with an accent mark to distinguish it from tu, which means 'your'. This small orthographic difference is essential for the phrase to mean 'someone like you' rather than 'someone like your'.
Examples in context
- Una vez conocí a alguien como tú.I once knew someone like you.This example shows the use of alguien como tú in a past-tense context.Tatoeba #9173367 by arh, translation #9173186 by CK
- Alguien como tú puede cambiar el mundo.Someone like you can change the world.This example demonstrates a positive sentiment using alguien como tú.Tatoeba #2165571 by marcelostockle, translation #2165579 by marcelostockle
- Alguien como tú no merece este castigo.Someone like you doesn't deserve this punishment.This example illustrates a negative context using alguien como tú.Tatoeba #2165574 by marcelostockle, translation #2165576 by marcelostockle
- Alguien como usted es difícil de encontrar.Someone like you is hard to find.
- Siempre he admirado a alguien como la señora Martínez.I have always admired someone like Mrs. Martinez.
- Alguien como tú es único en este mundo.Someone like you is unique in this world.
- Alguien como vos siempre sabe cómo animarme.Someone like you always knows how to cheer me up.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about a new colleague at work.
- AlejandroNecesitamos a alguien como tú en el equipo.We need someone like you on the team.
- Sofía¿De verdad crees eso, Alejandro?Do you really think that, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, eres una gran profesional.Yes, you are a great professional.
- SofíaMuchas gracias por tus palabras.Thank you very much for your words.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alguien, como, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
