Which one should you use?
You should use el mismo or la misma when you are modifying a specific noun, such as el mismo libro (the same book). In contrast, use lo mismo when referring to an abstract concept or when you mean "the same thing" as a standalone object.
How does it change in a sentence?
lo mismo is a neuter construction used to mean "the same thing" regardless of the gender of the noun it refers to.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo mismo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use el mismo or la misma to mean "the same thing" in a general sense. Instead, use lo mismo, which is the correct neuter form for unspecified things or abstract ideas.
When do people say it?
When someone says Mucho gusto (Nice to meet you) or Que tengas un buen día (Have a good day), you can respond with Igualmente to mean "the same to you" instead of repeating lo mismo.
Did you know?
- The phrase lo mismo can be used as a synonym for 'it does not matter' or 'it is all the same to me' in the expression me da lo mismo.
- While lo mismo means 'the same', the word mismo alone can be used to mean 'exactly' when placed after a time or place.
- In many Spanish speaking cultures, repeating lo mismo during a meal order is a common way to tell a waiter to bring the second person the exact same dish.
Examples in context
- No es lo mismo.It's not the same.Tatoeba #1622947 by Alba, translation #2006476 by Spamster
- Yo sentí lo mismo.I felt the same way.Tatoeba #1619817 by Shishir, translation #1582008 by Spamster
- Yo diría lo mismo.I'd say the same thing.Tatoeba #2828790 by marcelostockle, translation #2546731 by CK
- Es igual.It's the same.
- ¡Son iguales!They are the same!
- Quiero el vestido idéntico al de ella.I want the exact same dress as hers.
- Esa película es la misma que vi ayer.That movie is the same one I saw yesterday.
- ¡Tienes el peinado igualito al mío!You have the exact same hairstyle as mine!
- El color es igual.The color is the same.
- Las opiniones son idénticas.The opinions are identical.
- Tenemos la misma camiseta.We have the same t-shirt.
- 165 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- María¿Quieres pedir lo mismo que yo?Do you want to order the same as me?
- JavierSí, pediré lo mismo, por favor.Yes, I will order the same, please.
- MaríaPerfecto, Javier, así es más rápido.Perfect, Javier, that way it is faster.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, Maria.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
