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A1 adjective #800 most common 10 min read

igual

Top 800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips igual in 30 Seconds

Explanation igual in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'igual' is primarily used to describe simple physical similarities and basic mathematical equality. Students learn that 'igual' means 'the same' or 'equal' and that it does not change for gender (masculine or feminine). The focus is on the basic structure 'A é igual a B'. Learners are taught to use it for colors, sizes, and simple objects. The plural form 'iguais' is also introduced as one of the first examples of the -al to -ais pluralization rule. Phrases like 'é tudo igual' (it's all the same) are common at this stage to express simple opinions.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'igual' in more varied contexts, such as comparing daily routines or preferences. They start to distinguish between 'igual' (similar/identical) and 'mesmo' (the very same), though they may still make mistakes. The use of 'igual a' with contractions (ao, à, aos, às) becomes a focus. Students also learn the adverb 'igualmente' as a polite response to greetings like 'Muito prazer' (Nice to meet you) or 'Bom fim de semana' (Have a good weekend). The concept of 'igual' in social contexts, like 'direitos iguais' (equal rights), is introduced through basic reading materials.

By B1, students use 'igual' to express more abstract ideas and comparisons. They can handle idiomatic expressions like 'sem igual' (without equal/unique) and 'ficar no igual' (to break even). The distinction between 'igual', 'parecido', and 'semelhante' becomes clearer, and students are expected to choose the most appropriate word based on the degree of similarity. They also use 'igual' in complex sentences involving relative clauses, such as 'Ele agiu de uma forma igual à que eu esperava' (He acted in a way equal to what I expected).

At the B2 level, 'igual' is used with nuance in debates and formal writing. Students understand its role in legal and political discourse (e.g., 'igualdade de oportunidades'). They can use 'igual' as a noun ('um igual') and understand the stylistic choice of using 'igual' instead of 'como' in certain Brazilian dialects to mean 'like'. The use of 'igual' in technical or scientific contexts, such as 'partes iguais' in a chemical formula or recipe, is mastered. They also recognize and can use the word in more sophisticated idiomatic structures.

C1 learners use 'igual' with the precision of a native speaker. They understand the subtle connotations it carries in literature and high-level journalism. They can analyze the use of 'igual' in philosophical texts discussing equality and identity. At this level, the learner is comfortable with the word's role in various registers, from slang to highly formal legal language. They can use 'igual' to create rhetorical effects, such as using 'não há igual' to emphasize the exceptional nature of a subject in a persuasive essay.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'igual' is absolute. The speaker understands the historical etymology and how it has shaped related words in the word family. They can use 'igual' in all its idiomatic, metaphorical, and technical senses without hesitation. They are aware of regional differences in usage between Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. For a C2 learner, 'igual' is a flexible tool used to navigate the finest distinctions of similarity, identity, and parity in the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

igual in 30 Seconds

Igual is a versatile Portuguese adjective meaning 'equal' or 'the same,' used for comparing quantities, qualities, or social status across all levels of speech.
It is gender-neutral, meaning it stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns, making it easy for beginners to use without worrying about gender agreement.
The plural form is 'iguais,' following the standard rule for words ending in -al, and it usually requires the preposition 'a' for direct comparisons.
It is a key word in mathematics, law, and daily conversation, often appearing in idioms like 'sem igual' (unique) or 'é tudo igual' (it's all the same).

The Portuguese word igual is a cornerstone of comparison and description in the Lusophone world. At its most fundamental level, it functions as an adjective meaning 'equal,' 'same,' or 'identical.' For an English speaker, it is a 'true friend'—a cognate that looks and behaves much like its English counterpart, 'equal.' However, its utility in Portuguese extends far beyond mathematical equations or formal logic. It is used to describe everything from two shirts of the same color to the egalitarian treatment of citizens under the law. One of the most important grammatical features for a beginner to grasp is that igual is a uniform adjective regarding gender; it does not change its ending whether it describes a masculine or feminine noun. For example, you would say o carro igual and a casa igual. This simplicity makes it a favorite for early learners. In daily life, you will hear it used to express agreement, to compare prices, or to describe a lack of variety. It often appears in the common phrase é tudo igual (it's all the same), which can be used either neutrally or to express a slight sense of boredom or cynicism about a situation. Understanding igual is not just about learning a word for 'same'; it's about learning how Portuguese speakers categorize similarity and identity across different contexts of life.

Quantity and Value: When referring to numbers or amounts, igual signifies that two values are identical. Dois mais dois é igual a quatro (Two plus two equals four).
Physical Appearance: Used to describe objects or people that look the same. Eles usam camisas iguais (They are wearing the same/identical shirts).
Social Equality: In a political or social context, it refers to having the same rights or status. Todos são iguais perante a lei (Everyone is equal before the law).

O meu telefone é igual ao seu.

Translation: My phone is the same as yours.

Beyond these literal uses, igual often appears in idiomatic expressions that define the rhythm of Portuguese conversation. When someone says não tem igual, they are offering high praise, suggesting that something is unique or 'unparalleled.' It is also frequently paired with the preposition a when making a direct comparison: A é igual a B. This prepositional requirement is a common hurdle for English speakers who might want to say 'igual de' or 'igual com,' but in Portuguese, the target of comparison is almost always introduced by a (or its contractions ao, à, aos, às). In the plural form, igual becomes iguais, following the standard rule for words ending in -al. This shift from 'l' to 'is' is a key phonetic and orthographic change that learners must internalize to sound natural. Whether you are discussing mathematics, fashion, or human rights, igual provides the linguistic framework for establishing parity and connection between ideas and objects.

Nós temos oportunidades iguais.

Translation: We have equal opportunities.

Using igual correctly involves understanding its placement, its pluralization, and its relationship with prepositions. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, and igual is no exception. For instance, 'the same color' is a cor igual (though a mesma cor is also very common, igual emphasizes the quality of being identical). When you want to compare two things directly, the structure is usually [Noun 1] + [Verb] + igual a + [Noun 2]. It is crucial to remember the contraction of the preposition a with the definite article of the following noun. If you are comparing your car to 'the' car of your friend, you say igual ao carro (a + o). If you are comparing it to 'the' house, you say igual à casa (a + a). This 'crase' (the accent on à) is a common point of confusion but is vital for grammatical accuracy.

Singular vs. Plural: Singular: O resultado é igual. (The result is the same.)
Plural: Os resultados são iguais. (The results are the same.)
Comparative Structure: Structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + igual + a + [Object].
Example: Este livro é igual ao que eu li. (This book is the same as the one I read.)

Eles são iguais em talento.

Translation: They are equal in talent.

Another common usage is the adverbial form igualmente, which means 'equally' or 'likewise.' However, in casual conversation, speakers often use igual as a shorthand for 'the same way.' For example, if someone says 'I like chocolate,' you might hear a colloquial response of Eu igual! (Me too/Same!), although Eu também is more standard. In more formal writing, igual can function as a noun meaning 'an equal.' You might read about 'treating someone as an equal' (tratar alguém como um igual). This versatility allows igual to transition seamlessly from a simple adjective to a complex philosophical concept. When practicing, focus on the pluralization: any noun ending in -al like animal, radical, or igual will change to -ais. This is a consistent rule that will help you across much of your Portuguese vocabulary acquisition.

Não há nada igual a este lugar.

Translation: There is nothing like/equal to this place.

The word igual is ubiquitous, echoing through the halls of schools, the aisles of supermarkets, and the debates of parliament. In a classroom setting, you will hear it constantly during math lessons: Cinco vezes cinco é igual a vinte e cinco. Teachers use it to explain concepts of parity and balance. In the marketplace, consumers use igual to compare products. You might hear a shopper asking, Você tem uma camisa igual a esta, mas em azul? (Do you have a shirt like this one, but in blue?). It is the go-to word for seeking consistency or finding a match. In the realm of social media and modern communication, igual is used to express shared experiences. When a Brazilian influencer posts about a relatable struggle, the comments section is often filled with 'Eu igual' or 'Igual aqui', signaling that the followers are experiencing the exact same thing.

In the Kitchen: Recipes often call for 'equal parts' of ingredients. Use partes iguais de água e açúcar. (Use equal parts water and sugar.)
In Sports: When a score is tied, commentators might say the teams are iguais no placar (equal on the scoreboard).

O preço é igual em todas as lojas.

Translation: The price is the same in all stores.

In more formal or legalistic settings, igual takes on a weightier tone. The Brazilian Constitution and the Portuguese Constitution both use the word to define the rights of citizens: Todos são iguais perante a lei, sem distinção de qualquer natureza. This use of igual is foundational to the democratic identity of Lusophone nations. Furthermore, in music and literature, igual is used to describe the incomparable. A famous song might be described as having a beleza sem igual (unparalleled beauty). This contrast—using a word that means 'same' to describe something 'unique'—is a beautiful linguistic irony in Portuguese. Whether you are listening to a political speech, a pop song, or a friend complaining about their day, igual will be there, serving as the linguistic glue that compares one reality to another.

Eles têm gostos iguais.

Translation: They have the same tastes.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using igual is confusing it with mesmo. While both can translate to 'same' in English, they are used differently in Portuguese. Igual refers to similarity or identity in quality (e.g., two different pens that look identical), whereas mesmo often refers to the exact same entity (e.g., the very same pen you used yesterday). If you say Eu tenho o igual carro, it sounds incorrect; you should say Eu tenho um carro igual (I have a similar/identical car) or Eu tenho o mesmo carro (I have the very same car). Another mistake is the gender agreement trap. Because many Portuguese adjectives end in -o or -a, beginners often try to say iguala for feminine nouns. Remember: igual is invariable for gender. It is always igual in the singular, regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine.

Preposition Errors: Mistake: Igual de... or Igual com...
Correct: Igual a... (Always use 'a' to introduce the object of comparison).
Pluralization: Mistake: Iguals.
Correct: Iguais. (Words ending in -al drop the 'l' and add 'is').

Esta caneta é igual à minha.

Translation: This pen is the same as mine (identical in model).

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the placement of igual. While it usually follows the noun, in certain poetic or emphatic contexts, it can precede it, but this is rare and can sound unnatural for a beginner. Stick to the [Noun] + igual pattern. Another subtle mistake is using igual when semelhante (similar) or parecido (alike) might be more appropriate. Igual implies a higher degree of identity than parecido. If two things are merely 'alike' but have noticeable differences, parecido is the safer bet. Using igual in such cases might make you sound like you are exaggerating or being imprecise. Lastly, pay attention to the 'crase' when using igual a before a feminine noun. Failing to use à (e.g., igual a a casa) is a common written error even for native speakers, but mastering it will set you apart as a sophisticated learner.

Os dois irmãos são muito iguais.

Translation: The two brothers are very much alike/the same.

While igual is a versatile word, Portuguese offers a rich palette of alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances is key to moving from a basic (A1) level to a more intermediate (B1/B2) proficiency. The most common alternative is mesmo, which we have already touched upon. Use mesmo for identity (the very same thing) and igual for similarity (something identical in nature). Another important word is semelhante, which translates to 'similar.' This is often used in more formal or academic writing to describe things that share characteristics but are not necessarily identical. Similarly, parecido is the everyday word for 'alike' or 'similar.' If you see two people who look like each other, you would likely say eles são parecidos rather than iguais, unless they are identical twins.

Igual vs. Idêntico: Igual: Broad term for same/equal.
Idêntico: Stronger term, implying no differences at all. Gêmeos idênticos (Identical twins).
Igual vs. Equivalente: Igual: Same in every way.
Equivalente: Having the same value or function, even if the form is different. Um dólar é equivalente a...

Esta situação é semelhante à anterior.

Translation: This situation is similar to the previous one.

In mathematical or technical contexts, you might encounter equitativo (equitable) or isônomo (equal under the law), though these are much rarer. For everyday speech, tal qual is a sophisticated way to say 'just like.' For example, Ele é tal qual o pai (He is just like his father). Another useful phrase is da mesma forma (in the same way), which acts as a transition in writing. When you want to express that something is 'no different,' you can use indiferente or the phrase não faz diferença. By choosing the right word—whether it's the absolute identity of idêntico, the shared traits of semelhante, or the functional parity of equivalente—you can express yourself with much greater clarity and nuance in Portuguese.

Eles têm um objetivo comum.

Translation: They have a common (shared/same) goal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A remuneração deve ser igual para funções idênticas."

Neutral

"O meu casaco é igual ao seu."

Informal

"O filme novo é igual aos outros, nada de especial."

Child friendly

"Olha, as nossas figurinhas são iguais!"

Slang

"Ele é igual que nem o irmão, só faz bagunça."

Fun Fact

The word 'igual' has remained remarkably stable for over two thousand years, retaining its core meaning and form from Latin through Old Portuguese to the modern day.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.ˈɡwal/

US /i.ˈɡwaw/

The stress is on the last syllable: i-GUAL.

Rhymes With

atual final canal legal moral natal real vital

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' as a short English 'i' (like 'it'). It should always be a long 'ee' sound.
In Brazil, forgetting to turn the final 'l' into a 'w' sound.
In Portugal, making the 'l' too light (like in 'leaf'). It should be a 'dark l'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Separating the 'u' and 'a' into two syllables. It's a quick glide.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'equal'.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but requires remembering the plural 'iguais' and the preposition 'a'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple, though the Brazilian 'w' sound for 'l' takes practice.

Listening 1/5

Clearly audible and distinct in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ser mesmo diferente mais menos

Learn Next

semelhante parecido igualdade igualmente comparativos

Advanced

isonomia equitativo paridade concomitante análogo

Grammar to Know

Plural of words ending in -al

Igual -> Iguais, Animal -> Animais

Prepositional contraction with 'a'

Igual + o = Igual ao; Igual + a = Igual à

Gender invariance of adjectives ending in -l

O homem igual / A mulher igual

Adverb formation with -mente

Igual + mente = Igualmente

Comparison of equality (tão... quanto)

Ele é tão alto quanto o irmão (related concept)

Examples by Level

O meu carro é igual ao seu.

My car is the same as yours.

Note the use of 'ao' (a + o) because 'carro' is masculine.

Dois mais dois é igual a quatro.

Two plus two is equal to four.

Standard mathematical usage of 'igual a'.

As camisas são iguais.

The shirts are the same.

Plural form of 'igual' is 'iguais'.

Ela tem uma bolsa igual à minha.

She has a bag the same as mine.

Note the 'crase' in 'à' (a + a) because 'bolsa' is feminine.

É tudo igual aqui.

It's all the same here.

Common phrase 'tudo igual' to describe lack of variety.

Os preços são iguais.

The prices are the same.

Plural adjective 'iguais' modifying 'preços'.

Eu quero um sorvete igual ao dela.

I want an ice cream the same as hers.

Using 'igual ao' for comparison.

Nós somos iguais.

We are the same/equal.

Simple plural subject-verb-adjective agreement.

Muito prazer! - Igualmente.

Nice to meet you! - Likewise.

Adverbial form 'igualmente' used as a polite response.

Eles moram em casas iguais.

They live in identical houses.

Adjective following the noun.

O sabor é igual ao de chocolate.

The flavor is the same as chocolate.

Using 'igual ao de' to compare qualities.

Todos os dias são iguais para ele.

Every day is the same for him.

Plural 'iguais' referring to 'dias'.

Você tem um relógio igual a este?

Do you have a watch like this one?

Asking for a match using 'igual a'.

A cor é igual, mas o tamanho é diferente.

The color is the same, but the size is different.

Contrasting 'igual' with 'diferente'.

Nós temos problemas iguais.

We have the same problems.

Plural agreement.

O resultado foi igual para todos.

The result was the same for everyone.

Using 'igual' to show uniformity.

Este vinho é sem igual.

This wine is unparalleled/without equal.

Idiomatic expression 'sem igual' meaning unique or excellent.

Trate todos por igual.

Treat everyone equally.

Adverbial phrase 'por igual'.

O lucro foi igual ao do ano passado.

The profit was the same as last year's.

Complex contraction 'ao do' (a + o + do).

Eles dividiram a conta em partes iguais.

They split the bill into equal parts.

Common phrase 'partes iguais'.

Não existe ninguém igual a você.

There is no one like you.

Using 'igual a' to emphasize uniqueness.

A situação atual é igual à de dez anos atrás.

The current situation is the same as ten years ago.

Feminine comparison with 'à de'.

Eles pensam de maneira igual.

They think in the same way.

Using 'igual' to describe manner.

O valor é igual ao que combinamos.

The value is the same as what we agreed on.

Comparison with a relative clause.

A lei deve ser igual para todos os cidadãos.

The law must be equal for all citizens.

Formal/Legal usage of 'igual'.

Ele fala igual a um locutor de rádio.

He speaks just like a radio announcer.

Brazilian colloquial usage of 'igual a' meaning 'like'.

As chances de ganhar são iguais para ambos.

The chances of winning are equal for both.

Using 'iguais' to describe probability.

Ela buscou uma solução igualitária e igual para o conflito.

She sought an egalitarian and equal solution to the conflict.

Using 'igual' alongside its derivative 'igualitária'.

O impacto foi igual em todas as regiões.

The impact was the same in all regions.

Describing uniform distribution.

Não podemos tratar coisas desiguais de forma igual.

We cannot treat unequal things in an equal way.

Contrasting 'desiguais' and 'igual'.

O desempenho dele foi igual ao esperado.

His performance was equal to what was expected.

Comparison with a participle.

Eles são iguais em direitos, mas diferentes em necessidades.

They are equal in rights, but different in needs.

Abstract comparison.

A obra possui uma densidade lírica sem igual na literatura contemporânea.

The work possesses a lyrical density unparalleled in contemporary literature.

High-level literary usage of 'sem igual'.

O magistrado manteve um tratamento igual para as partes litigantes.

The magistrate maintained equal treatment for the litigating parties.

Formal legal register.

A premissa é igual àquela discutida no seminário anterior.

The premise is the same as the one discussed in the previous seminar.

Comparison with demonstrative pronoun 'àquela'.

A reação do mercado foi igual à observada na crise de 2008.

The market reaction was the same as that observed in the 2008 crisis.

Using 'igual à' to compare historical events.

Igual a tantos outros, ele sucumbiu à pressão social.

Like so many others, he succumbed to social pressure.

Starting a sentence with 'Igual a' for rhetorical effect.

O autor argumenta que não há dois seres rigorosamente iguais.

The author argues that there are no two strictly equal beings.

Using 'rigorosamente' to qualify 'iguais'.

A distribuição de renda não é igual em todo o território.

Income distribution is not equal across the territory.

Socio-economic context.

Ele tratou o subordinado como um igual.

He treated the subordinate as an equal.

Using 'igual' as a noun.

A isonomia pressupõe que situações iguais sejam tratadas de modo igual.

Isonomy presupposes that equal situations be treated in an equal manner.

Highly formal/philosophical use of 'igual'.

A métrica do poema é absolutamente igual em todas as estrofes.

The poem's meter is absolutely identical in all stanzas.

Technical literary analysis.

O fenômeno é igual em magnitude, mas oposto em direção.

The phenomenon is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

Scientific/Physics context.

A herança foi partilhada em quinhões rigorosamente iguais.

The inheritance was shared in strictly equal portions.

Archaic/Formal 'quinhões' paired with 'iguais'.

Não se pode transigir quando o valor em causa é igual à dignidade humana.

One cannot compromise when the value at stake is equal to human dignity.

Ethical/Philosophical discourse.

A sua destreza ao piano é algo sem igual nesta geração.

His dexterity at the piano is something unparalleled in this generation.

Superlative idiomatic use.

O polígono possui todos os lados e ângulos iguais.

The polygon has all sides and angles equal.

Geometric definition.

A correspondência biunívoca exige que os conjuntos sejam iguais em cardinalidade.

One-to-one correspondence requires that the sets be equal in cardinality.

Advanced mathematical terminology.

Common Collocations

partes iguais

direitos iguais

resultado igual

valor igual

oportunidades iguais

ritmo igual

tamanho igual

tratamento igual

peso igual

distância igual

Common Phrases

É tudo igual.

— Used to say that there is no difference or that something is boringly consistent.

Não importa qual você escolha, é tudo igual.

Dá no igual.

— A variation of 'dá no mesmo,' meaning it makes no difference in the end.

Ir de ônibus ou de metrô dá no igual hoje.

Igual a sempre.

— The same as always; no change from the usual state.

Como foi o trabalho? Igual a sempre.

Por igual.

— Equally or in a balanced way.

Divida o bolo por igual entre as crianças.

Sem igual.

— Unique, incomparable, or exceptional.

Ela tem um talento sem igual.

Ficar no igual.

— To break even (financially) or to reach a draw in a game.

No final da aposta, fiquei no igual.

Tratar como igual.

— To treat someone as a peer or with the same respect as oneself.

Ele sempre me tratou como um igual.

Ser igual a.

— To be identical to or to resemble someone/something closely.

Ele é igual ao pai quando era jovem.

Mais ou menos igual.

— Roughly the same; similar but with minor differences.

O preço é mais ou menos igual em todo lado.

Igualzinho.

— Diminutive form meaning 'exactly the same' or 'spitting image'.

Ele é igualzinho ao avô.

Often Confused With

igual vs mesmo

Igual is for similarity; mesmo is for identity.

igual vs par

Par means a pair or even number; igual means equal.

igual vs como

In Brazil, igual is often used as a preposition like 'como' (like).

Idioms & Expressions

"Não ter igual"

— To be one of a kind; to be the best or most unique.

A comida da minha avó não tem igual.

informal/neutral

"Fazer igual"

— To copy someone or do the same thing they did.

Se ele pular, você vai fazer igual?

informal

"Sair no igual"

— To end a situation without gain or loss.

Vendi o carro pelo preço que comprei, saí no igual.

informal

"Igual a nem um"

— Unique; like no other (more common in regional Brazilian speech).

Esse lugar é igual a nem um que já vi.

regional/informal

"Pagar por igual"

— To pay everyone the same amount or to suffer the same consequence.

Todos pagaram por igual pelo erro do gerente.

neutral

"Crescer por igual"

— To develop uniformly.

As plantas no jardim estão crescendo por igual.

neutral

"Ver todos por igual"

— To be impartial and treat everyone without favoritism.

Um bom professor vê todos os alunos por igual.

neutral

"Igual que nem"

— Very colloquial Brazilian way to say 'just like'.

Ele chora igual que nem criança.

slang/informal

"Ficar igual a pinto no lixo"

— Brazilian idiom: to be extremely happy/comfortable (literally: like a chick in the trash).

Ele ganhou o videogame e ficou igual a pinto no lixo.

slang

"Igual a uma estátua"

— To be completely still.

Ela ficou parada igual a uma estátua de medo.

informal

Easily Confused

igual vs mesmo

Both translate to 'same' in English.

Use 'mesmo' when it is the exact same object. Use 'igual' when it is a different object that looks the same.

Eu tenho o mesmo carro (The very same one). Eu tenho um carro igual (A similar model).

igual vs semelhante

Both mean similar/equal.

Semelhante is more formal and implies some differences exist. Igual implies identity.

Cores semelhantes (Similar colors). Cores iguais (The same colors).

igual vs parecido

Both mean alike.

Parecido is more subjective and less precise than igual.

Ele é parecido com o pai (He looks like him).

igual vs idêntico

Very close synonyms.

Idêntico is stronger and more formal than igual.

Gêmeos idênticos.

igual vs equivalente

Both mean equal in some way.

Equivalente is used for value or function, not necessarily appearance.

Valores equivalentes.

Sentence Patterns

[A] é igual a [B]

Isto é igual a aquilo.

[Plural Noun] são iguais

Eles são iguais.

Não há nada igual a [Noun]

Não há nada igual a este café.

Tratar [Someone] como um igual

Ela trata o estagiário como um igual.

[Noun] sem igual

Um talento sem igual.

Partilhar em partes rigorosamente iguais

Dividiram a herança em partes iguais.

Igualmente, [Greeting]

Igualmente, bom dia!

Pensar/Agir de forma igual

Eles agem de forma igual.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 500 words in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

A caneta é iguala. → A caneta é igual.
'Igual' does not change for gender. It is an invariable adjective for masculine and feminine.
Eles são iguals. → Eles são iguais.
The plural of words ending in -al is -ais, not -als.
Igual de você. → Igual a você.
Portuguese uses the preposition 'a' after 'igual', not 'de'.
Eu tenho o igual carro. → Eu tenho um carro igual.
'Igual' usually follows the noun. If you mean 'the same car', use 'o mesmo carro'.
Igual a a minha irmã. → Igual à minha irmã.
You must contract the preposition 'a' with the article 'a' to form 'à'.

Tips

Gender Neutrality

Don't be tempted to say 'iguala'. Portuguese adjectives ending in -l are the same for both genders.

The Brazilian 'L'

If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, remember that 'igual' sounds like it ends in 'w'. Practice saying 'ee-gwah-oo'.

Igual vs Mesmo

Think of 'igual' as 'identical' and 'mesmo' as 'the very same'. This helps avoid the most common learner mistake.

Polite Responses

Memorize 'igualmente' for social situations. It's a one-word way to be polite when someone wishes you well.

The Crase

When comparing to a feminine noun, remember the accent: 'igual à'. It's a sign of a high-level writer.

Math Basics

Learning 'igual' is the first step to doing math in Portuguese. 'A mais B é igual a C'.

Unique Things

Use 'sem igual' to describe your favorite food or place. It sounds very natural and sophisticated.

Plural Rule

Apply the -al to -is rule to other words too, like 'legal' (legis) or 'real' (reais).

Preposition 'A'

Never use 'igual de'. It's always 'igual a'. This is a very common mistake for English and Spanish speakers.

Brazilian 'Like'

In casual Brazilian Portuguese, replace 'como' with 'igual' to sound more local: 'Ele canta igual um anjo'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'Equal' sign (=). In Portuguese, 'Igual' starts with 'I', which looks like a vertical line, but it sounds like 'Equal'. Just remember: I-GUAL = EQUAL.

Visual Association

Visualize two identical twins wearing the same shirt. Point at them and say 'Eles são iguais'. The visual of the 'pair' helps remember the plural 'iguais'.

Word Web

Igualdade (Equality) Igualmente (Equally) Igualar (To equalize) Desigual (Unequal) Iguais (Plural) Sem igual (Unique) Igualzinho (Exactly the same) Equação (Equation)

Challenge

Try to find five pairs of identical objects in your room and name them in Portuguese using 'igual' or 'iguais'. For example: 'Estas duas canetas são iguais'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'aequalis', which means 'equal', 'even', or 'level'.

Original meaning: In Latin, it referred to physical flatness or levelness before evolving to mean numerical or social equality.

Romance (Latinate).

Cultural Context

When discussing social issues, be careful with 'igual' vs 'equitativo'. 'Igual' means giving everyone the same thing, while 'equitativo' (equitable) means giving everyone what they need to be equal.

English speakers often use 'same' for both 'igual' and 'mesmo'. In Portuguese, you must distinguish between 'identical' (igual) and 'the very one' (mesmo).

The Brazilian Constitution: 'Todos são iguais perante a lei.' Song 'Igual a Ti' by various artists (common theme in religious and romantic music). Mathematical textbooks across the Lusophone world.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mathematics

Igual a...
Sinal de igual
Equação
Resultado igual

Shopping

Um igual a este
Preço igual
Tamanho igual
Cor igual

Social/Political

Direitos iguais
Igualdade de gênero
Tratamento igual
Oportunidades iguais

Personal Relationships

Somos iguais
Igual ao pai
Gostos iguais
Pensar igual

Daily Routine

Tudo igual
Igual a sempre
Fazer igual
Dá no igual

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que os irmãos devem ser tratados sempre de forma igual?"

"Você tem algum objeto que seja exatamente igual ao de um amigo?"

"Na sua opinião, o que significa ser 'igual perante a lei'?"

"Você prefere que todos os dias sejam iguais ou prefere surpresas?"

"Você já comprou algo só porque era igual ao de uma pessoa famosa?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você se sentiu tratado como um igual em uma situação difícil.

Escreva sobre as semelhanças entre você e seus pais. Em que vocês são iguais?

Reflita sobre a frase 'é tudo igual'. Em que situações da vida você sente isso?

Se você pudesse mudar uma lei para tornar a sociedade mais igual, qual seria?

Descreva um lugar que você visitou que é sem igual. O que o torna único?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'igual' is a uniform adjective. It remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. For example, 'o carro igual' and 'a casa igual'.

The plural is 'iguais'. In Portuguese, words ending in '-al' usually change the '-l' to '-is' in the plural form.

Use 'igual' for things that are identical in quality or appearance but are distinct entities. Use 'mesmo' for the exact same entity. For example, 'Eu tenho um relógio igual ao seu' means you have a similar model.

Yes, when you are comparing it to something else, you use the preposition 'a'. This often contracts with articles: 'igual ao', 'igual à', 'igual aos', 'igual às'.

Yes, especially in Brazil, where it's used as a preposition meaning 'like'. For example, 'Ele corre igual um louco' (He runs like a crazy person).

It means 'without equal' or 'unique'. It's a common way to give a high compliment to something or someone.

You say 'igualmente'. It is the standard response to greetings like 'Nice to meet you' (Muito prazer).

It is neutral. It can be used in very formal legal documents as well as in very informal street slang.

Yes, it can mean 'an equal'. For example, 'Tratar alguém como um igual' (To treat someone as an equal).

'Idêntico' is more formal and emphasizes that there are absolutely no differences, whereas 'igual' is more common and broader.