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A2 verb #4,000 most common 11 min read

igualar

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips igualar in 30 Seconds

Explanation igualar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe the world around you. The word igualar might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it through its root word, igual (equal). Think about simple things like numbers or colors. If you have two apples and I have one, and I get another one, we now igualamos the number of apples. In A1, you mostly use this verb in the present tense to talk about simple comparisons. For example, 'Dos más dos iguala a cuatro' (Two plus two equals four). Although 'es igual a' is more common for math at this level, igualar is the action of making it happen. You might also hear it in very simple games or sports contexts where the score becomes the same. Imagine playing a game of cards; if you have the same points as your friend, you have 'igualado' the points. Focus on the idea of 'making things the same' and you will master the basic use of this verb quickly. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it is a regular -ar verb like hablar or cantar. This means it follows the patterns you already know: yo igualo, tú igualas, él iguala. Practice using it with simple objects you see every day, like pens, books, or coins, to describe making their quantities or positions the same.

As an A2 learner, you are building the ability to talk about your daily life, hobbies, and simple work tasks. This is where igualar becomes very useful, especially if you enjoy sports or DIY projects. In sports, you will hear this word constantly. When a commentator says 'El equipo logró igualar el partido,' they mean the team tied the game. This is a crucial word for following soccer, basketball, or any competitive event. In your personal life, you might use it when talking about cooking or cleaning. For example, if you are pouring juice into two glasses, you want to igualar the amount in each glass so no one gets more than the other. Grammatically, you should start using igualar in the past tense (pretérito indefinido) because you will often describe things that have already been matched, like 'Ayer igualé mi mejor tiempo en la carrera' (Yesterday I matched my best time in the race). You should also be aware of the 'personal a' when you are matching a person's achievement, though at A2, focusing on matching objects or scores is more common. Think of igualar as a way to describe reaching a goal or a standard. It is a step up from just saying things are 'the same' (igual); it describes the effort to make them the same.

At the B1 level, you are moving toward intermediate fluency and can handle more abstract topics and detailed descriptions. Igualar now extends into professional and social contexts. You might use it to talk about social issues, such as 'La empresa quiere igualar los salarios de todos los empleados' (The company wants to equalize the salaries of all employees). This involves using the verb to express intentions and desires, often with the infinitive after verbs like querer, necesitar, or intentar. You will also start to see the difference between igualar and its synonyms like nivelar or equilibrar. For instance, in a business meeting, you might discuss how to igualar the competition's prices to stay relevant in the market. Another important aspect for B1 learners is the reflexive use, igualarse. You might hear someone say 'No podemos igualarnos a ellos' (We cannot compare ourselves/make ourselves equal to them), which introduces a nuance of social standing or capability. You should also be comfortable using the future tense to make predictions about things becoming equal. The verb remains regular, but its application becomes much more varied as you discuss work, society, and more complex personal goals. It is no longer just about juice in a glass; it is about opportunities, rights, and market values.

By the B2 level, you are expected to have a strong command of nuanced vocabulary and be able to express yourself clearly on a wide range of subjects. Igualar becomes a tool for precise description in academic or professional settings. You will use it to describe technical processes, such as 'igualar la presión' (equalizing pressure) in a scientific experiment or 'igualar los balances' (matching balances) in accounting. At this stage, you should also be familiar with the figurative uses of the word. For example, 'Su valentía no tiene quien la iguale' (Her bravery has no equal/nobody can match it). This shows a higher level of poetic and rhetorical use. You will also encounter the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive voice or with the subjunctive: 'Es importante que el gobierno iguale las condiciones para las pequeñas empresas.' Here, the focus is on the necessity of the action. You should also be able to distinguish between igualar (the act of matching) and igualdad (the concept of equality). In debates, you might argue for the need to igualar the playing field before a competition begins. Your understanding of the word should now include its power as a verb of change—transforming a state of disparity into one of uniformity or fairness.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native proficiency and can understand the subtle connotations and registers of words. Igualar is used in sophisticated literature and high-level journalism to convey complex ideas of parity and imitation. You might analyze how an author tries to igualar the style of a predecessor, or how a political movement seeks to igualar the power dynamics between different social classes. The reflexive form igualarse might be used in a more philosophical or critical way, perhaps discussing the dangers of everyone trying to igualarse in a way that destroys individuality. You will also notice the word in legal and formal documents, where precision is paramount—such as in contracts that require parties to igualar certain conditions or contributions. Your use of the word should be effortless across all tenses and moods, including the imperfect subjunctive and the conditional: 'Si igualáramos los recursos, los resultados serían distintos.' You should also be aware of regional variations and idiomatic expressions that might use the root igual, even if the verb itself isn't present. At C1, igualar is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to dissect and describe the structures of the world, from the physical to the metaphysical.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the Spanish language and can use igualar with the same precision and flair as a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word, tracing it back to the Latin aequalis. In your speech and writing, you can use igualar in highly specialized fields, such as mathematics (solving differential equations by equalizing terms), music (matching the pitch or timbre of different instruments), or philosophy (discussing the ontological implications of equalizing distinct entities). You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic impact of the word in prose and poetry. You might use it to create a sense of balance in a sentence or to highlight a striking comparison. For example, 'En la muerte, la tierra iguala a reyes y mendigos' (In death, the earth equalizes kings and beggars). This level of usage transcends the functional and enters the artistic. You can also navigate the most subtle social nuances of the word, knowing exactly when igualarse sounds like a demand for justice and when it sounds like an act of arrogance. Your mastery of igualar reflects a deep understanding of the Spanish worldview, where the concepts of balance, symmetry, and fairness are central to both language and culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

igualar in 30 Seconds

Igualar means to equalize, match, or level things out.
It is a regular -ar verb used in sports, construction, and social contexts.
Commonly used to describe tying a score or matching a world record.
Can also mean making a surface flat or equalizing social opportunities.

The Spanish verb igualar is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to "to equalize," "to match," or "to level." At its core, the word is derived from the adjective igual (equal), and it describes the action of making two or more things the same in terms of quantity, quality, value, or appearance. In everyday Spanish, you will encounter this word in a vast array of contexts, ranging from the literal leveling of a physical surface to the abstract matching of a world record in sports. Understanding igualar requires recognizing that it is an active process—someone or something is intervening to remove a discrepancy or to reach a specific standard set by another entity.

Mathematical and Numerical Parity: In mathematics and accounting, igualar refers to the act of making both sides of an equation equivalent or balancing accounts so that the debits and credits match perfectly. For instance, a student might be asked to igualar las fracciones (to find a common denominator to equalize fractions).

El carpintero tuvo que igualar las patas de la mesa para que no cojeara.

The carpenter had to level the table legs so it wouldn't wobble.

Sports and Competition: This is perhaps one of the most common uses in modern media. When a team scores a goal to make the score 1-1, they igualan el marcador. If an athlete runs a race in the same time as the previous world record, they igualan el récord mundial. It implies reaching a level previously established by a predecessor or opponent.

El delantero logró igualar el marcador en el último minuto del partido.

The forward managed to equalize the score in the last minute of the match.

Physical Appearance and Craftsmanship: When painting a wall, if you have a patch of a different color, you need to igualar el tono (match the tone). In construction, workers igualan el terreno (level the ground) before pouring concrete. It suggests a physical smoothing or unifying of surfaces.

Es difícil igualar el color de la pintura vieja con la nueva.

Debemos igualar las oportunidades para todos los estudiantes.

Nadie puede igualar su talento para la música clásica.

Socially, igualar carries a weight of justice and equity. Governments strive to igualar las condiciones de vida (equalize living conditions) or igualar los salarios (equalize salaries). Here, the word moves beyond the mechanical or mathematical and enters the realm of ethics and policy. It implies a deliberate effort to correct an imbalance that is perceived as unfair or inefficient. Whether you are talking about a soccer game, a DIY home project, or a political debate about human rights, igualar is the verb you need to describe the act of bringing things into a state of balance and symmetry.

Using igualar correctly in a sentence involves understanding its transitivity and the prepositions that often accompany it. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing that is being made equal or the standard that is being matched. However, the nuances change depending on whether you are talking about physical objects, abstract concepts, or competitive achievements. Below, we explore the grammatical structures and common patterns that will help you master this verb in various contexts.

Direct Object Construction: The most straightforward way to use igualar is to follow it with the noun representing what is being equalized. Structure: [Subject] + [igualar] + [Direct Object]. For example, "El chef igualó las porciones" (The chef equalized the portions). Here, the portions are the things being made the same size.

Para igualar la mezcla, añade un poco más de agua.

To even out the mixture, add a little more water.

Matching a Standard with 'a': When igualar means to reach the same level as someone or something else, we often use the preposition a. This is common in sports or comparisons of skill. Structure: [Subject] + [igualar] + [a] + [Standard]. "Ella igualó a su hermana en altura" (She matched her sister in height).

Ningún otro corredor ha podido igualar a Usain Bolt en velocidad.

No other runner has been able to match Usain Bolt in speed.

The Reflexive Form: Igualarse: The reflexive igualarse is used when two things become equal to each other or when a person tries to put themselves on the same level as someone else (sometimes with a negative connotation of being presumptuous). "Los precios se igualaron tras la crisis" (Prices equalized after the crisis).

No intentes igualarte con ellos; tú tienes tu propio camino.

Don't try to make yourself equal to them; you have your own path.

El gobierno busca igualar los salarios de hombres y mujeres.

Es necesario igualar la presión de los neumáticos.

Finally, consider the tense. Igualar is a regular -ar verb, making it very predictable. In the past tense, "igualó" (he/she matched) is frequent in news reports. In the future, "igualará" suggests a prediction of future parity. Whether you are describing a physical act of balancing or a competitive achievement, the core meaning remains consistent: bringing two disparate elements into a state of sameness.

If you turn on a Spanish-speaking television channel or pick up a newspaper, you are likely to encounter igualar in three main arenas: sports broadcasting, political discourse, and technical/scientific reporting. Each of these domains uses the word to highlight the achievement of parity or the removal of differences. Let's break down where and why you'll hear it most often.

Sports Commentaries: This is the "home" of the word in popular culture. Commentators love to say "¡Gooool! ¡Se iguala el marcador!" (Goal! The score is tied/equalized!). It creates a sense of drama as the balance of power in the game shifts. You'll also hear it when a player matches a historical record, such as "Messi iguala el récord de goles de Pelé".

Con este resultado, el equipo visitante logra igualar la serie.

With this result, the visiting team manages to tie the series.

Political and Social News: In the news, igualar is a keyword for social justice. Politicians talk about igualar las oportunidades (equalizing opportunities) or igualar el acceso a la salud (equalizing access to healthcare). It is a word of aspiration and policy-making.

La nueva ley busca igualar los derechos de todos los ciudadanos.

The new law seeks to equalize the rights of all citizens.

Technical and DIY Contexts: If you watch a YouTube tutorial on woodworking or makeup, you'll hear igualar. A carpenter will igualar los bordes (even out the edges), and a makeup artist might igualar el tono de la piel (even out the skin tone). It describes the meticulous work of creating uniformity.

Usa una lija fina para igualar la superficie de la madera.

El banco central intenta igualar la tasa de interés con la inflación.

Es imposible igualar el sabor de la comida de mi abuela.

Overall, igualar is a word that signals transition—from a state of difference or inequality to a state of balance. Whether it's the roar of a stadium after an equalizer or the quiet precision of a craftsman, the word captures the human desire for symmetry and fairness.

While igualar is a regular verb, English speakers often stumble when choosing between it and other similar Spanish verbs like parecerse, comparar, or equilibrar. The most common errors involve using the wrong preposition or confusing the action of "making equal" with the state of "being equal." Let's examine these pitfalls in detail to ensure your Spanish remains precise and natural.

Confusing 'Igualar' with 'Parecerse': English speakers often want to use igualar to say two people look alike. This is incorrect. Igualar is an action of making things equal. To say "He looks like his father," you should use se parece a su padre. Use igualar only if he is matching a specific metric, like his father's height or record.

Incorrecto: Juan iguala a su hermano físicamente.
Correcto: Juan se parece a su hermano.

Misusing Prepositions with Competition: When matching a record, you don't need a preposition. It's igualar el récord. However, when matching a person's level, you need the personal a. Beginners often omit the a when referring to people or add it when referring to objects.

Incorrecto: Él igualó el récord a su ídolo.
Correcto: Él igualó el récord de su ídolo.

Overusing 'Igualar' for 'Balance': While igualar can mean to balance accounts, for physical balance (like standing on one leg), use equilibrar. Using igualar there sounds like you are trying to make your two legs the same length, rather than keeping your body steady.

Incorrecto: Tienes que igualar el peso en la balanza.
Correcto: Tienes que equilibrar el peso en la balanza.

No confundas igualar con identificar.

Cuidado con el uso de igualarse en contextos sociales.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between appearance (parecerse), process (comparar), and the active result of matching (igualar)—you will avoid the most frequent errors and sound much more like a native speaker.

Spanish is rich with verbs that describe the act of making things similar or balanced. While igualar is the most general term, other verbs offer more specific nuances depending on the context—whether it's physical leveling, social equity, or visual matching. Understanding these alternatives will significantly expand your descriptive range.

Nivelar vs. Igualar: Nivelar specifically refers to making something horizontal or bringing it to the same height or level. While you can igualar the height of two chairs, nivelar is the preferred term for construction or engineering contexts where a "level" (the tool) would be used. Igualar is broader; nivelar is physical.

Equilibrar vs. Igualar: Equilibrar means to balance. While igualar focuses on making things the same, equilibrar focuses on stability. You equilibras a budget so you don't overspend, but you igualas two different budgets so they have the same total amount.

El albañil debe nivelar el piso antes de poner las baldosas.

The bricklayer must level the floor before laying the tiles.

Emparejar vs. Igualar: Emparejar comes from par (pair). It means to make things even or to pair them up. In a race, if two runners are neck and neck, they are emparejados. It is often used for physical smoothing, like emparejar la tierra (evening out the dirt).

Vamos a emparejar los bordes del césped.

We are going to even out the edges of the lawn.

Compensar vs. Igualar: Compensar means to compensate or offset. If one side is heavier, you add weight to the other to compensar. While the result might be that you igualas the weights, the focus of compensar is the act of counterbalancing a deficiency.

Su gran esfuerzo pudo compensar su falta de experiencia.

Es difícil asemejar un producto artificial a uno natural.

El técnico intentó equilibrar las cargas eléctricas.

In summary, while igualar is your go-to verb for the general concept of matching or equalizing, choosing nivelar for heights, equilibrar for stability, or emparejar for physical evening-out will make your Spanish sound more sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Es imperativo igualar las prerrogativas legales de los ciudadanos."

Neutral

"El carpintero debe igualar las tablas antes de pegarlas."

Informal

"¡Vaya, igualaste mi puntuación en el videojuego!"

Child friendly

"Vamos a igualar las piezas del rompecabezas."

Slang

"No te iguales, chaval, que aún te falta mucho."

Fun Fact

The word 'igualar' is a direct cousin of the English word 'equalize'. Both share the same Latin ancestor that also gave us 'equity' and 'equilibrium'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.ɡwaˈlaɾ/

US /i.ɡwɑˈlɑɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: i-gua-LAR.

Rhymes With

cantar hablar llegar mirar pasar tomar andar dar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' as a separate vowel (i-gu-a-lar) instead of a glide (i-gwa-lar).
Adding an 'h' sound to the 'g'.
Stress on the second syllable instead of the last.
Pronouncing the 'i' as 'ai' like in 'item'.
Failing to tap the final 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'equal' and 'igual'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of -ar verb conjugations and correct preposition use (a vs. de).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as it is a regular verb.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, though it may be confused with 'igual' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

igual mismo número hacer nivel

Learn Next

nivelar equilibrar comparar semejanza equidad

Advanced

parangón equidistante isometría homologar equiparar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Yo igualo, Tú igualas, Él iguala.

Personal 'a' with People

Él quiere igualar a su ídolo.

Reflexive Pronouns

Ellos se igualaron en la meta.

Subjunctive for Necessity

Es necesario que igualemos los términos.

Prepositional Phrases with 'con'

Igualar una cosa con otra.

Examples by Level

Yo igualo los colores en mi dibujo.

I match the colors in my drawing.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

¿Puedes igualar estos dos grupos?

Can you make these two groups equal?

Infinitive used after the helper verb 'poder'.

Él iguala el número de dulces.

He matches the number of candies.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nosotros igualamos las sillas en la mesa.

We level the chairs at the table.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Ellos igualan el agua en los vasos.

They equalize the water in the glasses.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Tú igualas la altura de las plantas.

You match the height of the plants.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

Ella quiere igualar su ropa.

She wants to match her clothes.

Infinitive used after 'querer'.

Igualar es fácil.

To match is easy.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

El equipo igualó el marcador en el segundo tiempo.

The team equalized the score in the second half.

Pretérito indefinido (past tense).

Necesito igualar las patas de esta silla vieja.

I need to level the legs of this old chair.

Infinitive after 'necesito'.

Ella igualó el récord de su madre en natación.

She matched her mother's record in swimming.

Pretérito indefinido.

Vamos a igualar los precios de la competencia.

We are going to match the competitor's prices.

Future construction (ir + a + infinitive).

Él igualó la velocidad de su amigo en la bicicleta.

He matched his friend's speed on the bike.

Pretérito indefinido.

¿Cómo podemos igualar estas dos mezclas?

How can we equalize these two mixtures?

Infinitive after 'podemos'.

Ellos igualaron el terreno para construir la casa.

They leveled the ground to build the house.

Pretérito indefinido, 3rd person plural.

Ella siempre intenta igualar a su hermana mayor.

She always tries to match her older sister.

Infinitive after 'intenta'.

Es fundamental igualar las oportunidades laborales.

It is fundamental to equalize job opportunities.

Infinitive as part of an impersonal expression.

El gobierno busca igualar el acceso a la educación.

The government seeks to equalize access to education.

Present tense describing a continuous goal.

Si igualamos los gastos, podremos ahorrar más.

If we equalize our expenses, we will be able to save more.

First conditional (Si + present + future).

No es fácil igualar el sabor de la receta original.

It is not easy to match the flavor of the original recipe.

Infinitive as subject.

La empresa ha igualado las condiciones para todos.

The company has equalized conditions for everyone.

Pretérito perfecto (present perfect).

Me gustaría igualar tu nivel de español algún día.

I would like to match your level of Spanish someday.

Infinitive after 'me gustaría'.

Ellos se igualaron en la meta tras una carrera intensa.

They became equal at the finish line after an intense race.

Reflexive verb in the past tense.

Debes igualar la presión de los neumáticos antes de viajar.

You must equalize the tire pressure before traveling.

Infinitive after 'debes'.

El atleta espera igualar la marca mundial en los próximos juegos.

The athlete hopes to match the world mark in the next games.

Infinitive after 'espera'.

Es necesario que la ley iguale los derechos de autor.

It is necessary that the law equalizes copyright rights.

Present subjunctive after 'es necesario que'.

Nadie ha podido igualar su maestría con el violín.

Nobody has been able to match his mastery with the violin.

Pretérito perfecto with a modal verb.

La inflación ha igualado los precios de los productos básicos.

Inflation has equalized the prices of basic products.

Pretérito perfecto.

Intentaron igualar las fuerzas antes de la batalla final.

They tried to equalize the forces before the final battle.

Pretérito indefinido.

El software permite igualar el volumen de todas las pistas.

The software allows for equalizing the volume of all tracks.

Infinitive after 'permite'.

Para igualar la balanza comercial, el país debe exportar más.

To equalize the trade balance, the country must export more.

Infinitive phrase indicating purpose.

Sus acciones no igualan sus palabras de compromiso.

His actions do not match his words of commitment.

Present tense used figuratively.

El autor intenta igualar la métrica de los poetas clásicos.

The author attempts to match the meter of the classical poets.

Sophisticated literary context.

Dudo que alguien pueda igualar su legado filantrópico.

I doubt anyone can match his philanthropic legacy.

Subjunctive after a verb of doubt.

La empresa buscaba igualar su oferta a la de la competencia.

The company was looking to match its offer to that of the competition.

Imperfect tense showing a continuous past action.

Sería ideal que se igualaran las condiciones de vida en la región.

It would be ideal if living conditions in the region were equalized.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

El pianista igualó la intensidad emocional de la pieza original.

The pianist matched the emotional intensity of the original piece.

Pretérito indefinido with abstract noun.

Es un reto igualar la calidad en todas las etapas de producción.

It is a challenge to equalize quality across all production stages.

Infinitive as subject.

No trates de igualarte con quien no comparte tus valores.

Do not try to make yourself equal to someone who doesn't share your values.

Negative imperative with reflexive pronoun.

La luz del atardecer igualó las sombras en el valle.

The evening light equalized the shadows in the valley.

Poetic use of the verb.

La muerte, ese gran nivelador, termina por igualar a todos los hombres.

Death, 그 great leveler, ends up equalizing all men.

Philosophical/Literary register.

El científico logró igualar las variables en el modelo matemático.

The scientist managed to equalize the variables in the mathematical model.

Technical/Scientific register.

Resulta arduo igualar la magnificencia de la arquitectura gótica.

It proves arduous to match the magnificence of Gothic architecture.

Formal/Academic register.

Igualar el fiel de la balanza requiere una precisión milimétrica.

Equalizing the balance scale requires millimeter precision.

Idiomatic use of 'fiel de la balanza'.

El tratado aspira a igualar las prerrogativas de ambos estados.

The treaty aims to equalize the prerogatives of both states.

Diplomatic/Legal register.

Su prosa vanguardista busca igualar el ritmo de la vida urbana.

His avant-garde prose seeks to match the rhythm of urban life.

Literary criticism context.

No hay parangón que pueda igualar tal acto de sacrificio.

There is no comparison that can match such an act of sacrifice.

Extremely formal/archaic phrasing.

La erosión milenaria ha acabado por igualar las cumbres de la sierra.

Millennial erosion has ended up leveling the peaks of the mountain range.

Geological/Scientific context.

Common Collocations

igualar el marcador

igualar el récord

igualar las oportunidades

igualar los precios

igualar a cero

igualar el tono

igualar las condiciones

igualar la presión

igualar el terreno

igualar fuerzas

Common Phrases

sin igualar

— Something that hasn't been matched yet. Often used for records.

Su marca sigue sin igualar.

difícil de igualar

— Something very high quality that is hard to copy or beat.

Esa actuación será difícil de igualar.

igualar por lo bajo

— To make things equal by bringing everything down to the lowest level.

No queremos igualar la educación por lo bajo.

igualar por lo alto

— To make things equal by raising everything to the highest level.

El objetivo es igualar los salarios por lo alto.

igualar a alguien

— To reach the same level of skill or success as another person.

Ella igualó a su maestro en técnica.

igualar las apuestas

— To match the bet made by another player in gambling.

Él decidió igualar las apuestas para seguir jugando.

igualar el paso

— To match the walking speed or rhythm of another person.

Tuve que correr para igualar el paso de mi padre.

igualar la balanza

— To bring fairness or balance back to a situation.

Su testimonio ayudó a igualar la balanza de la justicia.

igualar las piezas

— In chess, to reach a position where both players have similar material.

Tras el cambio de reinas, se igualaron las piezas.

igualar el color

— To match a specific color, usually in painting or design.

Es casi imposible igualar el color original de la pared.

Often Confused With

igualar vs parecerse

Igualar is to make equal; parecerse is to look like.

igualar vs equilibrar

Igualar is about sameness; equilibrar is about balance/stability.

igualar vs identificar

Igualar is to match; identificar is to say two things are the same entity.

Idioms & Expressions

"nadie le iguala"

— He/she is the best; nobody is as good as them.

En la cocina, nadie le iguala.

Informal

"igualar los tantos"

— To settle a score or to make things even between people.

Después de su broma, yo le hice otra para igualar los tantos.

Informal

"no tener quien le iguale"

— To be unique or unsurpassed in a specific field.

Ese poeta no tiene quien le iguale.

Formal

"igualar a la baja"

— To standardize something by reducing quality or standards.

La nueva reforma igualó las pensiones a la baja.

Political

"querer igualarse con los grandes"

— To try to act as if one is as important as famous or powerful people.

Ese pequeño empresario quiere igualarse con los grandes magnates.

Informal/Critical

"igualar el marcador de la vida"

— To achieve success after a period of failure or hardship.

Con su nuevo trabajo, por fin siente que igualó el marcador de la vida.

Poetic

"igualar las barajas"

— To give everyone the same starting conditions (literally 'to even the cards').

Hay que igualar las barajas antes de empezar el negocio.

Informal

"igualar el fiel"

— To make a decision or action that brings perfect justice or balance.

La sentencia del juez igualó el fiel de la balanza.

Formal/Legal

"igualar por decreto"

— To try to force equality through laws without changing reality.

No se puede igualar la riqueza por decreto.

Political

"igualar en méritos"

— To be just as deserving as someone else.

Ambos candidatos se igualan en méritos para el puesto.

Formal

Easily Confused

igualar vs nivelar

Both involve making things the same level.

Nivelar is strictly physical/horizontal; igualar is general/abstract.

Nivelar el suelo vs Igualar los salarios.

igualar vs emparejar

Both mean to make even.

Emparejar often implies pairing things up or physical evening of edges.

Emparejar los calcetines vs Igualar el récord.

igualar vs asemejar

Both involve similarity.

Asemejar is about appearance; igualar is about value or metric.

Asemejar un color vs Igualar una puntuación.

igualar vs compensar

Both lead to balance.

Compensar is the act of making up for a lack; igualar is the result of being the same.

Compensar el error vs Igualar la cuenta.

igualar vs ajustar

Both involve changing something to match.

Ajustar is about fitting or correcting; igualar is about reaching parity.

Ajustar la tuerca vs Igualar la presión.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujeto] + iguala + [objeto].

Ana iguala los libros.

[Sujeto] + igualó + [el marcador].

El equipo igualó el marcador.

Es importante + igualar + [concepto].

Es importante igualar los derechos.

[Sujeto] + se igualó + con + [alguien].

Él se igualó con su hermano.

Para + igualar + [objetivo], [acción].

Para igualar el récord, él debe correr más.

Dudo que + [sujeto] + iguale + [estándar].

Dudo que ella iguale su marca.

[Sujeto] + igualó + [abstracción] + con + [abstracción].

El autor igualó la forma con el fondo.

[Sujeto] + no tiene quien le iguale.

Su genio no tiene quien le iguale.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, sports, and technical manuals.

Common Mistakes

Using 'igualar' for 'looks like'. → se parece a
Igualar is for matching a metric or value; parecerse is for physical appearance.
Saying 'igualar el marcador a 1-1'. → igualar el marcador 1-1
You don't need 'a' before the score itself in this context.
Spelling it as 'iguallar'. → igualar
In Spanish, it only has one 'l'. Double 'l' (ll) is a different sound.
Forgetting the personal 'a' with people. → igualar a su hermano
When the direct object is a specific person, you must use 'a'.
Using 'igualar' for physical balance. → equilibrar
If you mean staying steady on your feet, use equilibrar.

Tips

Regular Conjugation

Remember that 'igualar' follows the same pattern as 'hablar'. If you know how to say 'hablé', you know how to say 'igualé'.

Sports Vocabulary

If you are watching a soccer match, listen for 'igualar el marcador'. It's the most common way to say a team tied the game during play.

Preposition 'A'

When you match a person, don't forget the 'a'. 'Igualar a Messi' is correct; 'Igualar Messi' is not.

Leveling Surfaces

In DIY projects, use 'igualar' for making colors match or surfaces smooth. It sounds more natural than 'hacer igual'.

Math Context

When solving for X, remember the phrase 'igualar a cero'. It's a key instruction in Spanish math classes.

Equality

To talk about fair treatment, use 'igualar las condiciones' or 'igualar las oportunidades'.

Igualar vs Nivelar

Use 'nivelar' for physical height and 'igualar' for abstract values or records.

Stress the End

The stress is on the 'AR'. Pronounce it clearly: i-gua-LAR.

Equal Sign

Associate 'igualar' with the '=' sign. It's the verb form of that symbol.

Using Igualarse

Use 'se igualaron' when two things become equal at the same time, like two runners at a finish line.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'equal' sign (=). In Spanish, to 'equal-ize' something is to 'igual-ar' it. Both start with 'i' and relate to being the same.

Visual Association

Imagine a seesaw that is tilted, and then you add weight to one side to make it perfectly level. That action of leveling is 'igualar'.

Word Web

Igual (Adjective) Igualdad (Noun) Igualmente (Adverb) Nivelar (Synonym) Equilibrar (Synonym) Igualar el marcador (Phrase) Igualar el récord (Phrase) Desigualdad (Antonym)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are not equal (like the height of two books or the amount of water in two cups) and describe how you would 'igualar' them in Spanish.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'aequare', which means 'to make equal' or 'to level'. This comes from the root 'aequus', meaning 'level', 'even', or 'just'.

Original meaning: To make level or even, physically or metaphorically.

Romance (Latinate)

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'igualarse' in social contexts; it can sometimes imply that someone is overstepping their social bounds, though this is less common in modern, egalitarian speech.

In English, we often use 'match' or 'tie' in sports, and 'level' in construction. Spanish uses 'igualar' for all these, showing a more unified conceptual approach to 'sameness'.

Lionel Messi matching (igualando) records of legendary players like Pelé. Political slogans in Spain and Latin America calling to 'igualar' social rights. The use of 'igualar' in the Spanish translation of mathematical textbooks (e.g., Baldor).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

Igualar el marcador
Igualar el récord
Igualar la serie
Igualar la marca

Construction/DIY

Igualar el terreno
Igualar las superficies
Igualar los bordes
Igualar el tono

Mathematics

Igualar a cero
Igualar las ecuaciones
Igualar los denominadores
Igualar las variables

Social/Political

Igualar los derechos
Igualar las oportunidades
Igualar los salarios
Igualar las condiciones

Business

Igualar la oferta
Igualar el precio
Igualar la competencia
Igualar los beneficios

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que es posible igualar las oportunidades para todos en el mundo?"

"¿Alguna vez has logrado igualar un récord personal en algún deporte?"

"¿Qué tan difícil es igualar el sabor de la comida de tu restaurante favorito?"

"¿Prefieres igualar los gastos con tus amigos o que cada uno pague lo suyo?"

"¿Qué habilidades te gustaría igualar de tus padres o mentores?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un momento en el que tuviste que igualar algo físicamente, como un mueble o una receta.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de igualar los derechos humanos en diferentes culturas.

Escribe sobre un atleta que haya logrado igualar una marca histórica y cómo te sentiste al verlo.

¿En qué aspectos de tu vida sientes que estás tratando de igualar a alguien más? ¿Es positivo o negativo?

Imagina que eres un arquitecto. ¿Cómo usarías el concepto de igualar para diseñar un edificio perfecto?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sí, se usa para decir que alguien alcanza el mismo nivel de habilidad o éxito que otra persona. Por ejemplo: 'Él igualó a su padre en sabiduría'. Se debe usar la preposición 'a'.

'Empatar' se usa específicamente para el resultado final de un juego (to tie). 'Igualar' es la acción de anotar el punto que causa el empate. 'Igualar el marcador' lleva al 'empate'.

Es un verbo regular: yo igualé, tú igualaste, él/ella igualó, nosotros igualamos, vosotros igualasteis, ellos/ellas igualaron.

Generalmente sí, como alcanzar un récord. Sin embargo, 'igualar por lo bajo' significa reducir la calidad de todos para que sean iguales, lo cual suele ser negativo.

Sí, significa hacer que toda la pared tenga el mismo color o textura, o que esté perfectamente plana. Es común en construcción.

Es la forma reflexiva. Significa que dos cosas llegan a ser iguales o que una persona intenta ponerse al mismo nivel que otra.

Sí, es muy común. 'Igualar a cero' es un paso estándar para resolver muchas ecuaciones algebraicas.

Sí, es de nivel A2/B1, lo que significa que es esencial para la comunicación diaria, especialmente en noticias y deportes.

Uno común es 'no tener quien le iguale', que significa ser el mejor en algo, sin competencia.

Los sustantivos principales son 'igualdad' (la condición de ser iguales) e 'igualación' (el acto de hacer algo igual).