Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #150 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

mismo/a

Top 150

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces mismo/a en 30 secondes

Explication mismo/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of mismo: 'the same.' Think of it as a way to connect two things that are identical. You will mostly see it used with common nouns like 'color,' 'comida,' or 'día.' The most important rule to remember right now is that mismo must match the noun it describes. If the noun is masculine (like 'libro'), use mismo. If it is feminine (like 'casa'), use misma. If there are many, use mismos or mismas.

You will also encounter the phrase lo mismo. This is very useful when you are in a restaurant or a shop. If your friend orders a coffee and you want one too, you can just say 'Lo mismo, por favor.' It means 'The same thing.' It saves you from having to repeat the whole order! Another common phrase is 'ahora mismo,' which means 'right now.' You might hear a teacher or a parent say this when they want something done immediately. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just focus on these simple patterns of identity and timing.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

As an A2 learner, you are expanding how you use mismo to add emphasis to your sentences. You already know it means 'the same,' but now you can start using it to mean '-self.' For example, if you want to say 'I did it myself,' you say 'Yo mismo lo hice.' This adds a lot of personality to your speaking. Remember that if you are a woman, you must say 'Yo misma.' This agreement is a key part of moving from A1 to A2.

You will also start using mismo with more adverbs. Phrases like 'aquí mismo' (right here) or 'hoy mismo' (this very day) are very common at this level. They help you be more specific. Instead of just saying 'I'll do it today,' saying 'Lo haré hoy mismo' shows that you are serious and focused. You should also be comfortable with the neuter lo mismo in more contexts, such as 'Pienso lo mismo' (I think the same) to agree with friends. This level is all about using mismo to be more precise and expressive in your daily life.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the different positions of mismo and how they change the meaning. You know that 'el mismo hombre' means 'the same man,' but 'el hombre mismo' means 'the man himself.' This distinction is important for reading more complex texts and expressing nuanced ideas. You will also encounter mismo in more idiomatic expressions, such as 'da lo mismo' (it doesn't matter) or 'por lo mismo' (for that very reason).

You are also starting to see mismo used in more abstract ways. For instance, 'en el mismo momento' (at the same time) or 'de la misma manera' (in the same way). These phrases are essential for connecting your thoughts and making your speech flow more naturally. You should also be aware of the difference between mismo and igual. While an A1 student might confuse them, a B1 student understands that mismo is for identity and igual is for similarity. This level requires you to be more intentional with your word choice to avoid ambiguity.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For B2 learners, mismo becomes a tool for sophisticated emphasis and stylistic variety. You should be able to use it to reinforce the subject of a sentence in a way that feels natural, such as 'La situación misma requiere nuestra atención' (The situation itself requires our attention). You will also encounter the written forms asimismo and así mismo. At this level, you need to know that asimismo is a formal linker meaning 'likewise' or 'additionally,' which is very useful for writing essays and reports.

You should also be sensitive to the register of mismo. In formal or legal Spanish, you might see 'el mismo' used as a pronoun to refer back to a previously mentioned noun (e.g., 'Se recibió el paquete y el mismo fue abierto...'). While you should recognize this, you should also know that modern style guides often recommend avoiding this usage in favor of more natural pronouns like 'este' or 'él.' B2 is about mastering these subtle rules of style and register to sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you are exploring the rhetorical and philosophical uses of mismo. You can use it to create emphasis in complex arguments, such as 'En la misma esencia de la democracia...' (In the very essence of democracy...). You understand how mismo can be used to contrast ideas, like 'No es lo mismo decir que hacer' (Saying is not the same as doing). Your use of the word should be seamless, appearing in both its literal and figurative senses without hesitation.

You are also expected to handle the most subtle idiomatic uses. For example, 'ahora mismito' in certain dialects to express extreme immediacy or a specific social tone. You should also be able to use mismo in set phrases like 'dar lo mismo que' followed by the subjunctive (e.g., 'Me da lo mismo que venga o no'). This level of grammatical integration shows that you are no longer just translating 'same' from English, but are thinking within the logic of the Spanish language itself.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

C2 mastery of mismo involves a deep understanding of its historical development and its role in literary and academic discourse. You can appreciate how authors use mismo to explore the concept of 'mismidad' (selfhood or identity) in philosophical texts. You are also aware of the prescriptive debates surrounding the word, such as the RAE's recommendations against using 'el mismo' as a purely anaphoric pronoun in non-legal contexts.

In your own production, you use mismo with perfect precision, choosing it over igual, idéntico, or propio to convey the exact shade of meaning intended. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a literary analysis, or engaging in a high-level debate, mismo is a tool you use with total control. You understand its power to intensify, to identify, and to specify, and you use these functions to create rhythm and clarity in your Spanish. At this level, the word is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned, but a versatile instrument of your own expression.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

mismo/a en 30 secondes

'Mismo' primarily means 'the same' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
When placed before a noun, it indicates identity (e.g., 'el mismo libro' - the same book).
When placed after a noun or pronoun, it adds emphasis like '-self' (e.g., 'yo mismo' - I myself).
It is used with adverbs like 'ahora' or 'aquí' to mean 'right now' or 'right here.'

The Spanish word mismo is a foundational adjective that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it functions similarly to the English word 'same,' but its utility extends far beyond simple comparison. It is a versatile tool used to express identity, emphasize timing, and even reinforce the identity of a subject. Understanding mismo requires looking at it through three primary lenses: identity, emphasis, and adverbial usage.

Identity and Similarity: This is the most common use. When you want to say that two things are not just similar, but are in fact the exact same entity, you use mismo. For example, 'the same car' or 'the same person.' Unlike many adjectives in Spanish that follow the noun, mismo almost always precedes the noun it modifies in this context.

Vivimos en la misma calle desde hace diez años.

In the example above, the speaker isn't saying the streets look alike; they are saying they occupy the exact same geographic location. This distinction is crucial because Spanish has other words like igual which often imply similarity rather than identity. If you say two people have the same shirt, you use mismo if they are literally sharing one garment, or if they bought the exact same model from a store. Context usually clarifies the degree of identity.

Emphasis and Intensification: When placed after a noun or a pronoun, mismo acts as an intensifier, equivalent to the English '-self' (myself, yourself, itself). This usage adds a layer of 'very' or 'personally' to the sentence. For instance, 'Yo mismo lo hice' translates to 'I did it myself,' emphasizing that no one else was involved in the action.

El presidente mismo firmó el documento oficial.

Temporal and Locative Precision: Spanish speakers frequently use mismo with adverbs of time and place to indicate immediacy or exactness. Phrases like ahora mismo (right now) or aquí mismo (right here) are ubiquitous. In these cases, mismo loses its gender/number variability because it is modifying an adverb, not a noun.

Necesito que vengas a mi oficina ahora mismo.

Beyond these common uses, mismo appears in the neuter form lo mismo to mean 'the same thing.' This is used when the 'thing' being referred to is an idea, a situation, or an unspecified object. It is a staple of conversational Spanish, used in phrases like 'me da lo mismo' (it's all the same to me / I don't care).

¿Quieres pizza o pasta? —Me da lo mismo.

In summary, mismo is a linguistic chameleon. Whether it is identifying a specific object, adding weight to a subject, or pinning down a specific moment in time, it provides the precision that Spanish speakers value. Its placement and agreement are the keys to using it naturally and correctly in any social or professional context.

Using mismo correctly in a sentence involves understanding its syntactic flexibility and the rules of agreement. Because it is primarily an adjective, it must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it modifies. However, its position relative to the noun significantly changes the meaning of the sentence.

Pre-nominal Position (Before the Noun): When mismo comes before the noun, it almost always means 'the same.' This is its most frequent position. It is usually preceded by a definite article (el, la, los, las).

Tenemos los mismos problemas que el año pasado.

In this structure, the focus is on the identity of the 'problemas.' They are the exact same issues. Note how mismos is plural and masculine to match problemas. If we were talking about ideas, we would say las mismas ideas.

Post-nominal Position (After the Noun): When mismo follows a noun or a pronoun, it acts as an intensifier. It emphasizes that the specific person or thing mentioned is the one performing the action or being discussed, often to the exclusion of others.

La solución misma es bastante sencilla.

Here, 'La solución misma' means 'The solution itself.' It emphasizes the inherent nature of the solution. This is very common with personal pronouns: yo mismo (I myself), ella misma (she herself), nosotros mismos (we ourselves).

The Neuter 'Lo Mismo': When you want to refer to a general concept or 'the same thing' without a specific noun, use the neuter article lo. This is an abstract usage and does not change for gender or number.

Siempre dices lo mismo cuando estamos cansados.

Adverbial Reinforcement: When used with adverbs like hoy, mañana, aquí, or ahora, mismo is always masculine singular. It serves to sharpen the focus on that specific time or place.

Lo quiero terminado hoy mismo.

In this context, 'hoy mismo' means 'this very day' or 'today without fail.' It adds a sense of urgency or precision that 'hoy' alone might lack. Similarly, 'ahora mismo' is much more immediate than just 'ahora.'

Mastering these patterns allows you to navigate Spanish conversations with much more nuance. Whether you are identifying a twin, emphasizing your own effort, or demanding immediate action, mismo is your go-to word for precision and emphasis.

If you walk through the streets of Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you will hear mismo constantly. It is one of those 'glue' words that holds Spanish conversation together. Its usage varies from high-stakes business meetings to casual coffee shop banter, making it essential for any learner aiming for fluency.

In the Marketplace and Shops: When shopping, you might use mismo to specify that you want another item exactly like the one you just saw. 'Quiero el mismo modelo pero en azul' (I want the same model but in blue). It’s the word for consistency.

¿Tiene la misma talla en otro color?

In Daily Social Interactions: The phrase lo mismo is a social lifesaver. When a group is ordering drinks and you want what the previous person ordered, you simply say 'Para mí, lo mismo' (The same for me). It is also used to agree with someone's opinion: 'Pienso lo mismo' (I think the same).

—Me parece una idea excelente. —Sí, yo opino lo mismo.

You will also hear mismo used to express indifference. The idiom da lo mismo or me da lo mismo is the Spanish equivalent of 'it doesn't matter' or 'it's all the same to me.' It’s a very common way to defer a choice to someone else.

In Professional and Urgent Contexts: In an office setting, mismo is used to emphasize deadlines and specific locations. 'Envíalo ahora mismo' (Send it right now) conveys a level of urgency that 'ahora' lacks. 'Lo dejé en este mismo escritorio' (I left it on this very desk) eliminates any ambiguity about where an object should be.

El informe debe estar listo mañana mismo por la mañana.

In literature and media, mismo is used to explore themes of identity. A character might struggle with being 'el mismo de siempre' (the same as always) or trying to find 'su mismo ser' (their very being). It’s a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the philosophical.

Ella no es la misma desde que regresó del viaje.

Whether you're listening to a reggaeton song, watching a telenovela, or reading a news report about 'el mismo problema de siempre' (the same old problem), mismo will be there. It is a workhorse of the Spanish language that provides clarity, emphasis, and emotional weight to everyday speech.

While mismo seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over a few specific hurdles. These range from grammatical agreement to subtle semantic differences between Spanish and English. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound significantly more authentic.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Mismo' with 'Igual': This is the most frequent error. In English, 'same' can mean 'identical' or 'similar.' In Spanish, mismo usually means identical (the very one), while igual means similar or equal in quality/appearance.

Incorrecto: Tenemos el igual coche. (We have the equal car.)
Correcto: Tenemos el mismo coche. (We have the same car.)

If you say 'Nuestros coches son iguales,' you mean they are the same model/color. If you say 'Es el mismo coche,' you mean it is the exact same physical vehicle.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement: Because mismo often comes before the noun, learners sometimes treat it like an invariable particle. Remember, it is an adjective and must change.

Incorrecto: Las mismo personas.
Correcto: Las mismas personas.

Mistake 3: Misplacing 'Mismo' for Emphasis: When you want to say 'I myself,' the word mismo must follow the pronoun. Putting it before the pronoun changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.

Incorrecto: Mismo yo lo hice.
Correcto: Yo mismo lo hice.

Mistake 4: Using 'Mismo' as a Relative Pronoun: In English, we might say 'He gave me a book, the same of which I had read.' In Spanish, using el mismo to refer back to a noun in a relative clause is often considered a 'legalism' and is frowned upon in creative or standard writing.

Avoid: Compré una casa y la misma tiene tres pisos.
Better: Compré una casa que tiene tres pisos.

Finally, be careful with the phrase así mismo vs asimismo. While they sound identical, asimismo (one word) means 'also' or 'likewise,' whereas así mismo (two words) means 'in that exact way' or 'like that.' Using one for the other is a common mistake even for native speakers in written Spanish.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the mismo vs igual divide—you will avoid the most glaring 'gringo' mistakes and speak with a level of precision that commands respect.

To truly master mismo, you must understand its neighbors. Spanish has several words that overlap with 'same' or 'self,' and choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about identity, similarity, or ownership.

Mismo vs. Igual: As discussed in the mistakes section, this is the big one. Mismo is about identity (the very one). Igual is about characteristics (identical in appearance or quality).

—¿Es el mismo vestido? (Is it the exact same physical dress?)
—No, es uno igual. (No, it's one just like it.)

Mismo vs. Propio: Propio means 'own.' While mismo can emphasize a person (yo mismo), propio emphasizes possession or inherent nature. Sometimes they are interchangeable for emphasis, but propio is more formal.

Lo vi con mis propios ojos. (I saw it with my own eyes.)
Lo vi yo mismo. (I saw it myself.)

Idéntico: This is a stronger version of igual. It suggests that there is absolutely no difference between two things. It is often used for twins (gemelos idénticos) or scientific comparisons.

Semejante / Parecido: These words mean 'similar' or 'alike.' They are much 'weaker' than mismo. Use them when things share some traits but are clearly distinct entities.

In summary, here is a quick comparison table for your mental toolkit:

Word	English Equivalent	Nuance
Mismo	Same / Self	Identity and emphasis.
Igual	Same / Equal	Similarity in traits.
Propio	Own	Possession/Inherent nature.
Parecido	Similar	Resemblance.

By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you avoid overusing mismo and can express more complex relationships between objects and ideas. Remember: mismo is for when things are one and the same; the others are for when things are just alike.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'mismo' is a 'double superlative' in its Latin roots, which explains why it is so powerful for emphasis.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmiz.mo/

US /ˈmiz.mo/

First syllable (MIS-mo).

Rime avec

abismo cinismo optimismo turismo bautismo egoísmo heroísmo mecanismo

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a soft 'z' sound.
Over-extending the 'o' sound into a diphthong (like 'mismoh').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement.

Expression orale 3/5

Using it for emphasis (yo mismo) takes some practice to feel natural.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly pronounced, but 'ahora mismo' can be very fast.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

el/la este yo ahora igual

Apprends ensuite

propio asimismo identidad mismidad idéntico

Avancé

ipseidad alteridad

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective agreement

La misma casa (feminine singular).

Neuter 'lo'

Lo mismo (abstract 'the same thing').

Placement for emphasis

Él mismo (He himself).

Adverbial modification

Ahora mismo (No agreement needed).

Linkers

Asimismo (One word, formal).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Tengo el mismo color de ojos que mi madre.

I have the same eye color as my mother.

'Mismo' comes before 'color' and matches its masculine singular form.

¿Quieres lo mismo que yo?

Do you want the same thing as me?

'Lo mismo' is the neuter form used for 'the same thing.'

Vivimos en la misma casa.

We live in the same house.

'Misma' is feminine singular to match 'casa.'

Ellos tienen los mismos libros.

They have the same books.

'Mismos' is masculine plural to match 'libros.'

Es el mismo camino de siempre.

It's the same path as always.

'Mismo' emphasizes that the path has not changed.

¿Es la misma profesora?

Is it the same teacher?

'Misma' matches the feminine noun 'profesora.'

Comemos a la misma hora.

We eat at the same time.

'Misma' matches 'hora.'

Tengo las mismas dudas.

I have the same doubts.

'Mismas' is feminine plural to match 'dudas.'

Hazlo ahora mismo, por favor.

Do it right now, please.

'Mismo' is used with the adverb 'ahora' to mean 'right now.'

Yo mismo preparé la cena.

I prepared the dinner myself.

'Mismo' follows 'yo' to act as an intensifier (myself).

Ella misma escribió la carta.

She wrote the letter herself.

'Misma' matches the feminine pronoun 'ella.'

Estamos en el mismo lugar.

We are in the same place.

'Mismo' indicates identical location.

Lo compré aquí mismo.

I bought it right here.

'Mismo' emphasizes the adverb of place 'aquí.'

Nosotros mismos limpiaremos la sala.

We will clean the living room ourselves.

'Mismos' is masculine plural to match 'nosotros.'

¿Es el mismo chico de ayer?

Is it the same boy from yesterday?

'Mismo' is used for identity over time.

Mañana mismo te llamo.

I'll call you tomorrow for sure / this very tomorrow.

'Mismo' adds emphasis and certainty to 'mañana.'

Me da lo mismo lo que digas.

It's all the same to me what you say.

'Me da lo mismo' is a common idiom for indifference.

Pensamos de la misma manera.

We think in the same way.

'Misma' matches 'manera' (way/manner).

El mismo día que llegué, llovió.

The very day I arrived, it rained.

'Mismo' emphasizes the specific day.

No es lo mismo caminar que correr.

Walking is not the same as running.

'Lo mismo' is used to compare two abstract actions.

Él siempre cuenta las mismas historias.

He always tells the same stories.

'Mismas' matches 'historias.'

Lo hizo por sí mismo.

He did it by himself.

'Por sí mismo' is a phrase meaning 'by oneself.'

Son las mismas personas de la foto.

They are the same people from the photo.

'Mismas' matches 'personas.'

Llegamos al mismo tiempo.

We arrived at the same time.

'Mismo' matches 'tiempo.'

La noticia misma causó un gran impacto.

The news itself caused a great impact.

'Misma' follows 'noticia' to emphasize the inherent nature of the news.

Asimismo, debemos considerar el presupuesto.

Likewise, we must consider the budget.

'Asimismo' is a formal adverb meaning 'also' or 'likewise.'

Se lo dije a él mismo.

I told it to him himself.

'Mismo' emphasizes that the action was directed at the specific person.

Es el mismo problema de siempre.

It's the same old problem.

'Mismo' here implies a recurring, identical issue.

Actuó por su propia cuenta y riesgo, él mismo.

He acted on his own account and risk, himself.

Combines 'propia' and 'mismo' for maximum emphasis.

Las mismas leyes se aplican a todos.

The same laws apply to everyone.

'Mismas' matches 'leyes.'

Lo haré así mismo, como me pediste.

I will do it exactly like that, as you asked.

'Así mismo' (two words) means 'in that exact way.'

En ese mismo instante, todo cambió.

In that very instant, everything changed.

'Mismo' emphasizes the precise moment.

La mismidad es un concepto filosófico complejo.

Selfhood is a complex philosophical concept.

'Mismidad' is the noun form of 'mismo.'

Por lo mismo, no podemos aceptar su propuesta.

For that very reason, we cannot accept your proposal.

'Por lo mismo' is a formal way to say 'for that reason.'

No es lo mismo ser que parecer.

Being is not the same as appearing.

A philosophical use of 'lo mismo' to contrast concepts.

Usted misma puede comprobar los resultados.

You yourself can check the results.

'Misma' matches the formal feminine 'usted.'

El éxito no es el mismo para todos.

Success is not the same for everyone.

'Mismo' used to discuss the subjective nature of a concept.

En este mismo salón se firmó el tratado.

In this very hall, the treaty was signed.

'Mismo' used for historical and locative precision.

Ellas mismas se encargaron de la logística.

They themselves took care of the logistics.

'Mismas' matches 'ellas.'

Esa misma noche, decidió marcharse.

That very night, he/she decided to leave.

'Misma' emphasizes the specific night of the decision.

La recurrencia de lo mismo agota la paciencia.

The recurrence of the same thing exhausts patience.

'Lo mismo' used as a substantive concept.

El informe, y el mismo fue entregado a tiempo, detalla los fallos.

The report, and the same (it) was delivered on time, details the failures.

A formal/legal use of 'el mismo' as an anaphoric pronoun.

La obra es una reflexión sobre el sí mismo.

The work is a reflection on the self.

'El sí mismo' is a psychological/philosophical term for 'the self.'

No da lo mismo que el proceso sea lento o rápido.

It is not the same (it matters) whether the process is slow or fast.

'No da lo mismo que' followed by the subjunctive.

La mismísima reina asistió al evento.

The very queen herself attended the event.

'Mismísima' is the superlative form for extreme emphasis.

Incluso en la misma adversidad, halló esperanza.

Even in adversity itself, he found hope.

'Misma' used to emphasize an abstract noun.

Se trata de la misma esencia del derecho.

It is about the very essence of law.

'Misma' used in a highly formal, academic context.

Lo haré yo mismo, sin dilación alguna.

I will do it myself, without any delay.

Combines 'yo mismo' with formal vocabulary.

Collocations courantes

el mismo día

la misma cosa

ahora mismo

aquí mismo

lo mismo de siempre

al mismo tiempo

yo mismo

por lo mismo

de la misma manera

en el mismo lugar

Phrases Courantes

Me da lo mismo.

— It's all the same to me / I don't care.

¿Quieres té o café? —Me da lo mismo.

Lo mismo digo.

— I say the same / Same here.

—¡Buen viaje! —Lo mismo digo.

Ahora mismo.

— Right now / Immediately.

Necesito tu ayuda ahora mismo.

Mañana mismo.

— Tomorrow without fail.

Te pagaré mañana mismo.

Aquí mismo.

— Right here.

Pon las llaves aquí mismo.

Por lo mismo.

— For that very reason.

Está lloviendo, por lo mismo no saldremos.

Es lo mismo.

— It's the same thing / It doesn't matter.

¿Uso este lápiz o aquel? —Es lo mismo.

Tener la misma edad.

— To be the same age.

Mis primos tienen la misma edad.

De lo mismo.

— Of the same thing.

Dame un poco más de lo mismo.

Lo mismo que...

— The same as...

Él quiere lo mismo que tú.

Souvent confondu avec

mismo/a vs igual

Igual means similar; mismo means identical.

mismo/a vs propio

Propio means own; mismo emphasizes identity.

mismo/a vs asimismo

Asimismo is a linker; así mismo means 'in that way.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"dar lo mismo"

— To not matter or to be indifferent.

Me da lo mismo si vienes o no.

neutral

"ser lo mismo que nada"

— To be useless or insignificant.

Su ayuda fue lo mismo que nada.

informal

"en las mismas"

— In the same situation (usually a bad one).

Seguimos en las mismas después de un año.

informal

"lo mismo de siempre"

— The usual routine or problem.

Llegó tarde, lo mismo de siempre.

neutral

"por lo mismo"

— Used to justify a conclusion based on the previous statement.

No estudió, por lo mismo reprobó.

neutral

"ahora mismito"

— Extremely right now (very immediate).

¡Ven aquí ahora mismito!

informal

"así mismo"

— In that exact manner.

Déjalo así mismo, no lo toques.

neutral

"mismo que"

— Used to compare identity.

Es el mismo que vimos ayer.

neutral

"de la misma calaña"

— Of the same (bad) sort.

Son todos de la misma calaña.

informal

"mismamente"

— Exactly or specifically.

Eso es, mismamente.

informal

Facile à confondre

mismo/a vs igual

Both can translate to 'same' in English.

'Mismo' is for numerical identity (the very one), while 'igual' is for qualitative identity (looks like it).

Tengo el mismo coche (the same physical one). Tengo un coche igual (one just like it).

mismo/a vs propio

Both add emphasis to a person.

'Propio' emphasizes possession or 'own,' while 'mismo' emphasizes the person's identity.

Mi propia casa (my own house). Yo mismo la construí (I built it myself).

mismo/a vs asimismo

Sounds like 'así mismo'.

'Asimismo' is an adverb meaning 'also'. 'Así mismo' means 'in that way'.

Asimismo, llegó tarde. Lo hizo así mismo.

mismo/a vs idéntico

Synonym for 'mismo'.

'Idéntico' is more formal and emphasizes that there is zero difference.

Son idénticos.

mismo/a vs semejante

Used for comparison.

'Semejante' means 'such' or 'similar,' not identical.

No digas semejante cosa.

Structures de phrases

el mismo + [noun]

el mismo libro

[pronoun] + mismo/a

yo mismo

[adverb] + mismo

ahora mismo

lo mismo que + [noun/pronoun]

lo mismo que tú

me da lo mismo

[noun] + mismo/a

la idea misma

por lo mismo

por lo mismo, no fui

el sí mismo

la búsqueda del sí mismo

Famille de mots

Noms

mismidad (selfhood)

Adjectifs

mismo/a (same)

mismísimo/a (superlative same)

Apparenté

mismarse (to become self-absorbed - rare)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in all domains.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'mismo' for similarity. → Using 'igual'.
'Mismo' is for identity. If two people have the same model of phone, they are 'iguales.' If they share one phone, it's the 'mismo' phone.
Saying 'mismo yo'. → Saying 'yo mismo'.
For emphasis (myself), the adjective must follow the pronoun.
Forgetting agreement in 'las mismo cosas'. → 'Las mismas cosas'.
'Mismo' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with 'cosas'.
Using 'el mismo' as a pronoun in a story. → Using 'él' or 'este'.
While common in legal texts, using 'el mismo' to mean 'him' or 'it' sounds clunky in normal Spanish.
Confusing 'asimismo' and 'así mismo'. → Using 'asimismo' for 'also'.
'Asimismo' is a conjunction/adverb for addition. 'Así mismo' describes the manner of an action.

Astuces

Agreement is Key

Always look at the noun. If it's 'las casas,' you must use 'las mismas.' Don't let the pre-nominal position fool you into thinking it's invariable.

Use for Indifference

'Me da lo mismo' is a very natural way to respond when someone asks for your preference and you don't have one.

Formal Linkers

Use 'asimismo' in your essays to add information. it sounds much more sophisticated than just using 'también' every time.

Mismo vs Igual

If you can replace 'same' with 'identical entity,' use 'mismo.' If you can replace it with 'similar,' use 'igual.'

Listen for Emphasis

When 'mismo' follows a name, like 'Juan mismo,' pay attention! It means the speaker is emphasizing that Juan, specifically, did something.

Ahorita vs Ahora Mismo

In Mexico, 'ahorita' might mean 'later,' but 'ahora mismo' almost always means 'right now.' Use the latter for clarity.

The Voiced 'S'

The 's' in 'mismo' is often voiced like a 'z' because of the 'm'. Practice saying 'miz-mo' for a more native sound.

The Mirror Trick

Remember 'mismo' = 'mirror'. A mirror shows the same thing.

Avoid 'Mismo Yo'

Never put 'mismo' before the pronoun for emphasis. It's always 'yo mismo,' never 'mismo yo.'

Neuter 'Lo'

Use 'lo mismo' whenever you are referring to an action or a whole sentence rather than a specific object.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

'Mismo' sounds a bit like 'Mirror'. When you look in a mirror, you see the 'same' person: yourself (mismo).

Association visuelle

Imagine a pair of identical twins wearing shirts that say 'MISMO' and 'MISMA'.

Word Web

igual idéntico propio ahora aquí yo mismo lo

Défi

Try to use 'mismo' in three different ways today: once for identity, once for emphasis (myself), and once with a time word (right now).

Origine du mot

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'metipsimus', which is a combination of the emphatic particle '-met' and 'ipsimus' (a superlative of 'ipse', meaning 'self').

Sens originel : The very self / the very same.

Romance (Latin).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'el mismo' as a pronoun in formal writing as it can sound archaic or overly legalistic.

English speakers often use 'the same' for both identity and similarity, which leads to the 'mismo' vs 'igual' confusion.

'Lo mismo' (Song by Gims and Álvaro Soler) 'El mismo sol' (Song by Álvaro Soler)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a restaurant

Lo mismo para mí, por favor.
¿Es el mismo plato que pedí?
Queremos la misma cuenta.

In an office

Necesito esto ahora mismo.
Lo haré yo mismo.
Es el mismo problema de ayer.

Shopping

¿Tienen la misma talla?
Quiero el mismo modelo.
Es el mismo precio.

With friends

Me da lo mismo.
Pienso lo mismo.
Somos los mismos de siempre.

Giving directions

Está aquí mismo.
Sigue por la misma calle.
En ese mismo cruce.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que somos las mismas personas que hace diez años?"

"¿Te da lo mismo comer pizza o sushi hoy?"

"¿Has tenido alguna vez el mismo sueño dos veces?"

"¿Prefieres hacer las cosas tú mismo o pedir ayuda?"

"¿Es el mismo profesor que tuviste el año pasado?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una vez que hiciste algo difícil tú mismo/a.

¿Qué cosas en tu vida son siempre 'lo mismo de siempre'?

Describe a dos personas que tengan los mismos gustos que tú.

¿Por qué crees que a veces nos da lo mismo lo que piensen los demás?

Escribe sobre un lugar que sea el mismo desde tu infancia.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. When it means 'the same,' it goes before the noun (el mismo libro). When it is used for emphasis meaning '-self,' it goes after the noun or pronoun (yo mismo).

'Mismo' refers to the exact same entity. 'Igual' refers to something that is similar or identical in appearance but is a different entity.

'Lo mismo' is neuter, which looks like masculine singular. It is used for abstract ideas or 'the same thing' when no specific noun is mentioned.

No. 'Mismo' must agree with the gender of the person or object. A man says 'yo mismo' and a woman says 'yo misma.'

It is an idiom meaning 'it's all the same to me' or 'I don't care.' It is used when you are indifferent to a choice.

Use 'asimismo' (one word) as a formal way to say 'also.' Use 'así mismo' (two words) to mean 'in that exact way.'

Yes, but it is often considered informal or dialectal. It means 'exactly' or 'precisely.'

Yes, 'ahora mismo' means 'right now' and 'hoy mismo' means 'this very day.'

It is the superlative form of 'mismo,' used for extreme emphasis, like 'the very, very same' or 'the one and only.'

In formal or legal Spanish, yes, to refer back to a noun. However, in standard Spanish, it is better to use 'él' or 'este.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes