igualmente
/iˌɡwalˈmente/
In Spanish, "the same for you" is expressed as igualmente.
igualmente is used as a polite, concise way to return a greeting, a compliment or a well-wish (such as 'Have a nice day').
Which one should you use?
While igualmente is a versatile response, other phrases can be used depending on the setting: Lo mismo digo and Igual para ti are informal ways to express the same sentiment, whereas Deseo lo mismo para usted and Le deseo lo mismo are formal options used to say "I wish the same for you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
igualmente is a neutral response that works in both formal and informal social situations. For strictly informal settings, you might use Lo mismo digo or Igual para ti, while more formal expressions include Deseo lo mismo para usted or Le deseo lo mismo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, igualmente may be replaced with Lo mismo para ti.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˌɡwalˈmente/
Did you know?
- The suffix '-mente' in igualmente functions similarly to the English '-ly', but it is derived from the Latin word 'mens', meaning 'mind', tracing the word's history back to a concept of mental parity or equality.
- While igualmente is used to return well-wishes, the root word igual is also used in Spanish to describe a 'tie' in a sports match or a game.
- In fast-paced urban environments, speakers might shorten the sentiment to just igual, though this can sound considerably more blunt than the full adverb igualmente.
Examples in context
- Que tenga un exitoso viaje de negocios. / Deseo lo mismo para usted.Have a successful business trip. / I wish the same for you.
- Que tenga un día maravilloso. / Le deseo lo mismo.Have a wonderful day. / I wish the same for you.
- Que te diviertas en la fiesta. / Igualmente.Have fun at the party. / The same for you.
- Pásala bien en tus vacaciones. / ¡Igual para ti!Have a great time on your vacation. / The same for you!
- ¡Que tengas un buen fin de semana! ¡Igualmente!Have a good weekend! Same to you!
- ¡Igualmente!The same to you!
- Muchas gracias, igualmente.Thank you very much, the same to you.
- Que tengas un buen día, igualmente.Have a good day, the same to you.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are leaving a coffee shop.
- Alejandro¡Que tengas un buen fin de semana, Elena!Have a good weekend, Elena!
- Elena¡Igualmente, Alejandro!The same to you, Alejandro!
- AlejandroNos vemos la próxima semana.See you next week.
- ElenaHasta la próxima.Until next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry igualmente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries igualmente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
