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B2 adjective 11 min de leitura

semejante

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas semejante em 30 segundos

Explicação semejante in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things and compare them. The word 'semejante' might seem a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'like' or 'similar.' In very simple terms, if you have two red apples, they are 'semejantes' because they look the same. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complicated grammar. Just remember that it is a word used to describe two things that share something in common. For example, if you see two houses that look almost identical, you can say they are 'casas semejantes.' It is important to know that it is an adjective, so it describes a noun. If you are describing one thing, you use 'semejante.' If you are describing two or more things, you use 'semejantes.' You might also hear people use it to mean 'such a big thing.' Imagine you see a giant cake. You could say, '¡Semejante pastel!' meaning 'What a huge cake!' Even though you are a beginner, knowing this word helps you understand when people are surprised by the size or quality of something. You will most often see it in books or hear it in clear, slow Spanish. Try to use it when you want to sound a little more formal than using 'como' (like). Instead of saying 'una casa como esta,' you can try 'una casa semejante.' It makes your Spanish sound more polished from the very beginning. Remember, it doesn't matter if the object is masculine or feminine; 'semejante' stays the same. You only need to add an 's' for plurals. This makes it a very friendly word for beginners because you have fewer rules to remember! Focus on the idea of 'likeness.' If two people have the same hair color, or two cars are the same brand, they are 'semejantes.' It is a building block for making comparisons, which is a key skill as you move from A1 to A2. Keep it simple: semejante = similar.

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As an A2 learner, you are expanding your ability to describe the world around you in more detail. 'Semejante' is a useful tool for your vocabulary because it allows you to make more formal comparisons than the basic 'parecido' (similar). At this level, you should start noticing where the word is placed in a sentence. Most of the time, you will put it after the noun: 'un coche semejante' (a similar car). This is the standard way to describe similarity. You should also practice using it with the preposition 'a.' For example, 'Este libro es semejante a ese' (This book is similar to that one). This 'semejante a' structure is very common and very useful for your speaking exams or basic writing tasks. You are also ready to understand the 'intensive' use of the word. When a Spanish speaker is surprised, they might put 'semejante' before the noun. If someone makes a huge mistake, you might hear '¡Semejante error!' In this case, it doesn't mean 'a similar error,' it means 'SUCH a big error!' As an A2 student, being able to recognize this shift in meaning based on word order is a great step forward. You are moving beyond just translating word-for-word and starting to understand the 'spirit' of the Spanish language. Another thing to keep in mind is the plural form. If you are talking about 'hermanos' (brothers) who look alike, you must say 'hermanos semejantes.' Always check that your adjective matches the number of the noun. You will encounter 'semejante' in short stories, news clips for learners, and in conversations about family resemblances or comparing products in a shop. It's a step up from 'igual' (the same) because it acknowledges that things are not 100% identical, but they have many things in common. Start trying to use it in your writing when you want to describe two things that are alike but not exactly the same. It shows the examiner that you have a range of vocabulary and can handle words that are slightly more sophisticated than the absolute basics.

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At the B1 intermediate level, you should be using 'semejante' with more confidence and variety. You are now expected to handle more complex sentence structures, and 'semejante' fits perfectly into these. You should be comfortable using 'semejante a' to compare not just physical objects, but also ideas, situations, and behaviors. For example, 'Su reacción fue semejante a la mía' (His reaction was similar to mine). This shows you can talk about abstract concepts. One of the key B1 skills is expressing feelings and opinions. This is where the emphatic use of 'semejante' (placed before the noun) becomes very powerful. Instead of always using 'muy' or 'tan,' you can use 'semejante' to add drama or weight to your statements. 'No puedo creer que haya dicho semejante mentira' (I can't believe he told such a lie) sounds much more natural and native-like than 'una mentira muy grande.' You should also be aware of the noun form 'los semejantes.' In B1, you might start having discussions about society, ethics, or 'the right thing to do.' Knowing that 'nuestros semejantes' means 'our fellow human beings' will help you participate in these more meaningful conversations. It’s a word that appears in many set phrases and idioms related to human rights or social responsibility. Furthermore, at this level, you should be careful not to confuse 'semejante' with 'mismo.' Remember, 'mismo' is for identity (the very same one), while 'semejante' is for similarity (like the other one). If you use them interchangeably, you might confuse your listener. For example, 'el mismo problema' means you are both dealing with the exact same issue, but 'un problema semejante' means you have two different issues that are very much alike. Distinguishing between these two is a hallmark of the B1 level. You will also see 'semejante' used in more formal letters or emails when you want to refer back to a 'similar' case or request mentioned previously. It adds a professional tone to your correspondence. Practice using it in different positions to see how it changes the 'flavor' of your sentences.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to have a 'firm grasp' of the language, and 'semejante' is a word that truly tests your understanding of nuance and register. By now, the distinction between using it before the noun (as an intensifier) and after the noun (as a comparative) should be second nature. You should be able to use 'semejante' to provide emphasis without sounding like you are exaggerating for no reason; it should be used for rhetorical effect. For instance, in a debate, you might say, 'Es inaceptable que se tome semejante decisión sin consultar al pueblo.' Here, 'semejante' highlights the gravity and the specific nature of the decision. You are also expected to understand the word in various registers. While it can be very formal, it is also used in colloquial outbursts of frustration. A B2 student should be able to navigate these different contexts. In terms of grammar, you should be careful with the 'semejante a' construction, ensuring that you use the correct articles and pronouns after 'a' (e.g., 'semejante al que vimos ayer'). You should also start exploring synonyms like 'análogo,' 'afín,' or 'parejo,' and know when 'semejante' is the better choice. 'Semejante' implies a likeness in character or nature, whereas 'afín' might imply a likeness in purpose or interest. Your writing should reflect this precision. Another aspect for B2 is the use of 'semejante' in literary analysis or when describing artistic styles. You might describe a painter's work as 'semejante' to another's to indicate influence or shared period characteristics. Furthermore, you should be comfortable with the plural noun 'semejantes' in philosophical or sociological texts. Understanding the historical and ethical weight of the term 'amor al semejante' will help you decode complex texts from Spanish-speaking cultures. At this level, you should also be aware of how 'semejante' can be used to avoid repeating the same demonstratives like 'este' or 'ese.' It serves as a sophisticated way to point back to a previously described situation. In summary, for a B2 learner, 'semejante' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for stylistic variation, emotional expression, and precise comparison.

For the C1 advanced learner, 'semejante' is a word that you should use with stylistic flair and absolute grammatical precision. At this level, you are likely reading complex literature, legal documents, or academic papers where 'semejante' is used to draw fine-grained distinctions. You should understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'similis' and how it shares a semantic space with words like 'similitud' and 'semejanza.' In your own production, you should use 'semejante' to manage the flow of information. For example, using it at the beginning of a sentence to refer to a complex idea mentioned in the previous paragraph: 'Semejante planteamiento requiere un análisis más profundo.' This shows a high level of discourse management. You should also be sensitive to the 'ironic' or 'sarcastic' use of 'semejante.' Sometimes, a speaker might use it to downplay something that is actually quite significant, or vice versa, to mock an overreaction. Your ability to pick up on these pragmatic cues is essential for C1. In formal writing, you can use 'semejante' to create a more elevated tone. Instead of 'situaciones parecidas,' you might write 'escenarios semejantes' to sound more authoritative. You should also be proficient in using the noun form 'semejanza' (similarity) and the verb 'asemejarse' (to resemble). A C1 learner should be able to switch between 'semejante' (adjective), 'semejanza' (noun), and 'asemejarse' (verb) effortlessly to maintain lexical variety. For instance, 'A pesar de su semejanza física, sus personalidades no se asemejan en absoluto; es raro encontrar semejante disparidad entre hermanos.' This sentence uses the whole word family to express a complex thought. Additionally, you should be aware of the regional nuances. While 'semejante' is universal, its frequency compared to 'tal' or 'así' can vary, and a C1 learner should have the 'ear' for which one sounds most natural in a given dialect or context. You are no longer just learning the word; you are mastering its place in the vast tapestry of the Spanish language, using it to add color, weight, and clarity to your advanced communication.

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At the C2 level of mastery, 'semejante' is a word whose every nuance and historical echo you understand. You recognize it as a fundamental part of the Spanish rhetorical tradition. You are aware of its use in the Spanish Constitution, in the works of great philosophers like Ortega y Gasset, and in the timeless verses of poets. For a C2 speaker, 'semejante' is often used to explore the concept of 'the other.' In philosophical discourse, 'el semejante' is not just 'another person,' but a mirror of the self, an essential part of the human experience. You can use the word to discuss deep ontological or ethical questions with ease. In terms of style, you use 'semejante' with a perfect sense of 'decorum'—knowing exactly when its gravity is required and when it would be too heavy for the occasion. You can use it in the 'predicative' position with verbs of change or result: 'La situación se tornó semejante a una pesadilla.' You also understand the subtle difference between 'semejante' and 'similar' in technical jargon; for instance, in law, where a 'caso semejante' might have different legal precedents than a 'caso idéntico.' Your mastery allows you to use the word to create specific rhythms in your prose, perhaps using it in a series of adjectives to build a crescendo of emphasis. You are also adept at using it in its most abstract forms, such as 'lo semejante' (that which is similar), to discuss patterns or archetypes. When you hear '¡Semejante audacia!', you don't just hear 'What boldness!'; you feel the weight of the social norm that has been challenged. You understand that 'semejante' is a word that carries the history of Spanish social interactions—from the formal respect of the past to the expressive, often hyperbolic nature of modern speech. At C2, 'semejante' is not a word you 'know'; it is a word you 'own,' using it to navigate the highest levels of professional, academic, and creative Spanish with total confidence and native-like intuition.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

semejante em 30 segundos

Semejante primarily means 'similar' or 'resembling' when placed after a noun in Spanish sentences.
When placed before a noun, it acts as an intensive meaning 'such a' or 'so great a'.
In the plural noun form 'los semejantes', it refers to 'one's fellow human beings' or 'neighbors'.
It is a gender-neutral adjective in the singular, only changing form for the plural 'semejantes'.

The Spanish word semejante is a versatile adjective that fundamentally translates to 'similar,' 'alike,' or 'resembling.' However, its utility in the Spanish language extends far beyond simple comparison. At its core, it describes a relationship of correspondence or likeness between two or more entities. When you use semejante, you are often drawing a parallel that goes deeper than just visual appearance; it suggests a shared essence, character, or quality. In Spanish, adjectives typically follow the noun, and when semejante follows a noun (e.g., 'una situación semejante'), it strictly means 'a similar situation.' However, when it precedes the noun (e.g., 'semejante situación'), it transforms into an intensifier meaning 'such a' or 'so great a,' often carrying a tone of surprise, indignation, or emphasis.

The Comparative Aspect: In technical, academic, or formal descriptions, semejante is used to denote that two things share common traits. For example, in geometry, 'triángulos semejantes' refers to triangles that have the same shape but not necessarily the same size. In daily life, you might use it to compare behaviors or outcomes that mirror one another.

Nunca había visto una criatura semejante en este bosque.

The Emphatic Aspect: When placed before the noun, semejante acts as a demonstrative adjective that magnifies the noun's qualities. If someone says, '¡Semejante tontería!', they aren't just saying 'a similar nonsense,' but rather 'Such nonsense!' or 'What a huge piece of nonsense!' This usage is extremely common in emotional speech, where the speaker is reacting to something extraordinary, whether positive or negative.

¿Cómo pudiste decir semejante mentira?

The Human Aspect: When used as a noun, specifically in the plural form los semejantes, it refers to 'one's fellow men' or 'others.' This is deeply rooted in ethical and religious contexts, emphasizing the equality and shared humanity between individuals. It is the Spanish equivalent of 'thy neighbor' in many philosophical translations.

Debemos tratar a nuestros semejantes con respeto y dignidad.

Understanding semejante requires recognizing its dual role as a descriptor of likeness and a tool for rhetorical power. In a B2 level context, you should be comfortable using it to avoid the repetitive use of 'similar' or 'tal.' It adds a layer of sophistication to your Spanish, allowing you to express nuance in how things relate to each other or how strongly you feel about a specific event or object. Whether you are describing two 'semejante' styles of architecture or decrying 'semejante' injustice, the word provides a robust framework for comparative and emotional expression.

No es fácil encontrar un talento semejante en estos días.

¡Es increíble que haya ocurrido semejante milagro!

Mastering semejante involves understanding its grammatical flexibility and its impact on the tone of a sentence. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. However, since it ends in -e, it is gender-neutral in the singular (semejante) and only changes for the plural (semejantes). This makes it relatively easy to use compared to adjectives that change from -o to -a.

Placement: After the Noun: When placed after the noun, semejante functions as a standard descriptive adjective. It often requires the preposition 'a' to complete a comparison. For example, 'una cara semejante a la de su madre' (a face similar to her mother's). In this position, it is synonymous with 'parecido' or 'similar.' It is used to categorize or group things based on shared characteristics without necessarily injecting emotion into the statement.

Buscamos una solución semejante para nuestro problema.

Placement: Before the Noun: When you move semejante before the noun, you are no longer just describing; you are emphasizing. This is a hallmark of more advanced Spanish proficiency. It functions similarly to 'such a' or 'this kind of' in English, but with a stronger punch. It is frequently used with nouns that represent concepts, emotions, or magnitudes (like error, beauty, noise, or disaster). For instance, 'semejante ruido' implies the noise was exceptionally loud or unexpected.

¿Quién podría creer semejante historia?

Plural Usage and the Noun Form: In the plural, semejantes can describe multiple similar things or people. When used as a noun, it almost always refers to people. 'El amor al prójimo y a los semejantes' is a common phrase in ethical discourses. Here, it acts as a collective term for humanity, emphasizing that everyone is 'similar' in their human nature.

No podemos ser indiferentes al sufrimiento de nuestros semejantes.

To use semejante effectively, practice switching its position to see how the meaning changes. If you are writing a technical report, keep it after the noun to maintain objectivity. If you are writing a story or expressing a strong opinion in conversation, try placing it before the noun to add dramatic flair. This distinction is what separates intermediate learners from those who truly understand the rhythmic and rhetorical nuances of the Spanish language.

Había semejante multitud que no podíamos movernos.

Dos casos semejantes fueron reportados ayer.

The word semejante exists in a sweet spot between formal literature and expressive everyday speech. While you might not hear it five times a minute like 'bueno' or 'pues,' it appears in very specific and impactful contexts. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the speaker's intent and level of formality.

In Literature and High Register: In classic Spanish literature, from the Golden Age to the modern era, semejante is a staple. Authors use it to draw grand comparisons or to heighten the drama of a scene. It feels more 'literary' than 'parecido.' When a character in a novel discovers 'semejante traición' (such a betrayal), the word itself carries the weight of the shock. You will also find it in legal and academic texts where precision in similarity is required.

En la obra de Cervantes, encontramos muchos pasajes semejantes.

In Emotional Everyday Speech: In daily life, you'll hear semejante mostly when people are expressing disbelief or exaggeration. Imagine a friend telling you about a massive bill they had to pay. They might say, '¡Me cobraron semejante cantidad!' (They charged me such an amount!). It’s also common in parental scoldings: '¿Cómo puedes decir semejante cosa?' (How can you say such a thing?). In these cases, it functions as a verbal exclamation mark.

¡No me vengas con semejante excusa ahora!

In News and Journalism: Journalists love this word. It allows them to describe events as unprecedented or shocking without using overly slangy terms. A headline might read: 'Semejante despliegue policial en el centro' (Such a police deployment in the center). It suggests that the scale of the event is noteworthy. It is also used to link current events to past ones: 'Un evento semejante al ocurrido en 1992.'

El ministro negó haber dado semejante orden.

Finally, in religious or philosophical contexts, semejante is the standard term for 'fellow human.' If you attend a church service or a lecture on ethics in a Spanish-speaking country, you will almost certainly hear about 'el amor al semejante.' It is a word that carries a sense of duty and shared destiny. Hearing it in this context signals a shift from the mundane to the profound.

Es nuestro deber ayudar a los semejantes en tiempos de crisis.

Nunca vi semejante despliegue de luces.

Using semejante correctly requires navigating some subtle grammatical and semantic traps. Even advanced learners sometimes trip over its specific rules and the way it interacts with other words in a sentence.

The Article Trap: One of the most frequent errors is including an indefinite article (un, una) when semejante is used as an intensifier before the noun. In English, we say 'such A thing,' which leads learners to say 'un semejante cosa.' However, in Spanish, the article is usually omitted in this emphatic construction. You should say 'semejante cosa.' If you do use an article, it often shifts the meaning back to a simple comparison ('una cosa semejante' - a similar thing), or it can sound slightly redundant or non-native when placed before.

Incorrect: No esperaba un semejante regalo.

Correct: No esperaba semejante regalo.

Confusing with 'Mismo' or 'Igual': Semejante means 'similar,' not 'identical.' A common mistake is using it when you mean 'the exact same.' If two people have the exact same car, they have 'el mismo coche.' If they have cars that look alike but are different units, they have 'coches semejantes.' Using semejante when you mean 'identical' can lead to confusion in technical or legal contexts.

Son dos problemas semejantes, pero no son el mismo.

Agreement Issues: While semejante doesn't change for gender, it MUST change for number. It is common for learners to forget the plural '-s' when describing multiple things. 'Dos situaciones semejante' is incorrect; it must be 'Dos situaciones semejantes.' This is particularly important when the noun is far away from the adjective in a complex sentence.

Vimos varios edificios semejantes en la avenida.

Another nuanced mistake is the misuse of the preposition 'a.' When making a comparison, you must use 'semejante a.' Some learners erroneously use 'con' or 'como' after semejante because of influence from other comparative structures. Always stick to 'a' for the target of the similarity.

Su estilo es semejante al de los pintores clásicos.

No vuelvas a decir semejante barbaridad.

To truly expand your vocabulary, you need to know when to use semejante and when to opt for one of its cousins. Each alternative carries a slightly different shade of meaning or level of formality.

Semejante vs. Parecido: Parecido is the most common, everyday word for 'similar.' It comes from the verb 'parecer' (to seem). Use parecido for physical resemblances or casual comparisons. Use semejante when you want to be more formal, precise, or when you are using it as an intensifier ('such a'). You wouldn't say '¡Parecido error!' to mean 'Such an error!'—you must use semejante or tal.

Semejante vs. Similar: Similar is a direct cognate and is very safe to use. It is slightly more clinical or neutral than semejante. In scientific or business writing, similar is very frequent. Semejante, however, feels a bit more 'Spanish' and less like a borrowed academic term. It also has the advantage of the intensive use which similar lacks.

Ambos métodos son similares en su ejecución.

Semejante vs. Tal: When using semejante as 'such a,' its closest rival is tal. 'Tal cosa' and 'semejante cosa' both mean 'such a thing.' However, semejante is often more emphatic and can carry a stronger emotional charge. Tal is more functional and neutral. If you are genuinely shocked, semejante is the better choice.

No puedo tolerar tal falta de respeto.

Semejante vs. Análogo: Análogo is a high-level academic term meaning 'analogous.' It is used in logic, science, and philosophy to describe things that are similar in function or structure but perhaps different in origin. It is much more formal than semejante and should be reserved for scholarly contexts.

Es un proceso análogo al de la fotosíntesis.

In summary, choose parecido for looks, similar for facts, tal for reference, and semejante for formal comparisons or when you want to express that something is truly remarkable or 'such a' specific thing. Expanding your use of semejante will make your Spanish sound more native and emotionally resonant.

Es difícil creer que existan mundos semejantes al nuestro.

¡Qué semejante lío has armado!

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'sim-' is also found in the English words 'similar', 'same', and 'resemble'. It is one of the most stable roots in Indo-European languages for expressing likeness.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /se.me.ˈxan.te/

US /se.me.ˈhan.te/

The stress falls on the third syllable: se-me-JAN-te.

Rima com

adelante brillante constante elegante importante interesante picante vigilante

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'j' like an English 'j' (as in 'jump'). It should be a breathy 'h' or a guttural 'kh'.
Misplacing the stress on the last syllable.
Softening the 't' too much; it should be dental (tongue against teeth).
Nasalizing the 'an' too much like in French.
Pronouncing the 'e' like the 'ay' in 'play'; it should be a short, crisp 'e'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 4/5

Common in literature and news; easy to recognize as 'similar'.

Escrita 6/5

Requires knowledge of word placement for emphasis vs. comparison.

Expressão oral 6/5

Using it as an intensifier feels 'advanced' and requires practice.

Audição 5/5

Must distinguish between 'similar' and 'such a' based on context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

similar parecido igual tal como

Aprenda a seguir

asemejarse semejanza análogo afín parejo

Avançado

ontología prójimo analogía paradigma consonancia

Gramática essencial

Adjective Agreement

Las casas semejantes (plural agreement).

Prepositional Comparison

Semejante a ti (uses 'a' for comparison).

Word Order for Emphasis

Semejante susto (before noun = very big).

Indefinite Article Omission

¡Semejante lío! (no 'un' used).

Noun Conversion

El semejante (adjective used as a noun).

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Exemplos por nível

Tengo un gato semejante al tuyo.

I have a cat similar to yours.

Semejante follows the noun 'gato' and uses 'al' (a + el) for comparison.

¿Ves esa casa semejante?

Do you see that similar house?

Simple adjective placement after the noun.

Ellos son semejantes.

They are similar.

Plural agreement with 'ellos'.

Busco un color semejante.

I am looking for a similar color.

Used to describe a preference for likeness.

Es una flor semejante a una rosa.

It is a flower similar to a rose.

Using 'semejante a' for comparison.

¡Semejante perro!

What a dog! / Such a dog!

Emphatic use before the noun; no article needed.

Mis zapatos son semejantes.

My shoes are similar.

Plural adjective matching 'zapatos'.

No hay nada semejante aquí.

There is nothing similar here.

Used with 'nada' to express uniqueness.

Esa película es semejante a la que vimos ayer.

That movie is similar to the one we saw yesterday.

Comparing two events using 'semejante a'.

¡No digas semejante tontería!

Don't say such nonsense!

Emphatic placement before the noun 'tontería'.

Encontramos dos caminos semejantes.

We found two similar paths.

Plural agreement with 'caminos'.

Su voz es semejante a la de su hermano.

His voice is similar to his brother's.

Comparison of abstract qualities (voice).

¡Semejante calor hace hoy!

It's so hot today! (Such heat!)

Intensive use before the noun 'calor'.

Vivimos en situaciones semejantes.

We live in similar situations.

Plural adjective describing a state of being.

No hay otro lugar semejante en el mundo.

There is no other similar place in the world.

Used with 'otro' to emphasize uniqueness.

Ella tiene un vestido semejante al mío.

She has a dress similar to mine.

Standard comparison of possessions.

Es difícil encontrar a alguien con un talento semejante.

It is hard to find someone with such talent.

Using 'semejante' after the noun to describe a high level of quality.

¡Semejante noticia nos dejó sin palabras!

Such news left us speechless!

Emphatic placement for emotional reaction.

Debemos ser buenos con nuestros semejantes.

We must be good to our fellow men.

Noun use: 'los semejantes' refers to other people.

Su estilo de pintura es semejante al cubismo.

His painting style is similar to Cubism.

Comparing artistic styles formally.

¿Cómo pudo cometer semejante error un experto?

How could an expert make such a mistake?

Intensive use highlighting irony or shock.

Ambos países enfrentan retos semejantes.

Both countries face similar challenges.

Plural use in a political/social context.

No creo que exista una oportunidad semejante otra vez.

I don't think such an opportunity will exist again.

Describing a unique or rare occurrence.

El resultado fue semejante a lo esperado.

The result was similar to what was expected.

Comparing a result to an expectation.

Semejante despliegue de recursos parece innecesario.

Such a display of resources seems unnecessary.

Starting a sentence with an emphatic 'semejante'.

La estructura del ADN es semejante en todos los seres vivos.

The structure of DNA is similar in all living beings.

Scientific use for biological similarity.

¡No me puedo creer que hayas gastado semejante fortuna!

I can't believe you spent such a fortune!

Intensive use with an abstract noun of quantity.

Es una conducta semejante a la que vimos en el experimento anterior.

It is a behavior similar to the one we saw in the previous experiment.

Formal academic comparison.

El respeto a los semejantes es la base de la convivencia.

Respect for one's fellow men is the basis of coexistence.

Noun use in a philosophical/sociological context.

Nunca se había visto semejante aglomeración de gente en la plaza.

Such a crowd of people had never been seen in the square before.

Using 'semejante' to describe an unprecedented scale.

Los dos casos son semejantes en el fondo, aunque no en la forma.

The two cases are similar in essence, though not in form.

Making a nuanced distinction between essence and appearance.

¿Quién autorizó semejante barbaridad?

Who authorized such an atrocity?

Strong emotional/rhetorical use.

Semejante premisa invalida el resto del argumento.

Such a premise invalidates the rest of the argument.

Using 'semejante' to refer back to a complex idea in a formal debate.

La novela describe una sociedad semejante a la nuestra, pero distópica.

The novel describes a society similar to ours, but dystopian.

Literary analysis context.

Resulta ofensivo que se nos trate con semejante desdén.

It is offensive to be treated with such disdain.

Expressing a sophisticated emotional grievance.

Los efectos del fármaco son semejantes a los de un placebo en este grupo.

The effects of the drug are similar to those of a placebo in this group.

Technical/scientific comparison.

No es lícito ignorar el dolor de nuestros semejantes por beneficio propio.

It is not lawful to ignore the pain of our fellow men for our own benefit.

Ethical/Legal register.

Aceptó el cargo con semejante humildad que conmovió a todos.

He accepted the position with such humility that he moved everyone.

Positive intensive use (not always negative!).

Bajo condiciones semejantes, el metal tiende a oxidarse más rápido.

Under similar conditions, metal tends to rust faster.

Setting a condition in a technical context.

¡Semejante atrevimiento no quedará impune!

Such audacity will not go unpunished!

High-register dramatic warning.

La ontología del ser se manifiesta en el reconocimiento del semejante.

The ontology of being is manifested in the recognition of the fellow man.

Philosophical usage at the highest level.

Semejante aseveración carece de fundamento empírico alguno.

Such an assertion lacks any empirical foundation.

Academic critique using sophisticated vocabulary.

No podemos permitir que semejante despropósito jurídico siente precedente.

We cannot allow such a legal absurdity to set a precedent.

Legal register focusing on precedent and logic.

El autor establece una analogía entre el alma y una ciudad semejante a Atenas.

The author establishes an analogy between the soul and a city similar to Athens.

Literary and philosophical comparison.

Es imperativo actuar cuando la dignidad del semejante es vulnerada.

It is imperative to act when the dignity of a fellow human is violated.

Humanitarian/Ethical imperative.

¡Semejante despliegue de erudición nos ha dejado atónitos!

Such a display of erudition has left us astonished!

Formal, highly complimentary intensive use.

En circunstancias semejantes, la prudencia debe prevalecer sobre la audacia.

In similar circumstances, prudence must prevail over audacity.

Proverbial or aphoristic style.

La interconexión global nos obliga a ver al lejano como un semejante.

Global interconnection forces us to see the distant person as a fellow human.

Sociological discourse on globalization.

Colocações comuns

en condiciones semejantes

semejante barbaridad

amor al semejante

triángulos semejantes

semejante error

de manera semejante

semejante cantidad

semejante desorden

casos semejantes

semejante audacia

Frases Comuns

Y cosas semejantes

— Used at the end of a list to mean 'and similar things' or 'and so on.'

Vendían pan, leche, huevos y cosas semejantes.

Por semejante motivo

— Means 'for such a reason' or 'for a similar reason.'

No deberías enfadarte por semejante motivo.

A falta de algo semejante

— Means 'in the absence of something similar.'

Usamos una piedra a falta de algo semejante a un martillo.

De semejante calaña

— A derogatory phrase meaning 'of such a (bad) kind' or 'of that ilk.'

No quiero tratar con gente de semejante calaña.

En semejante caso

— Means 'in such a case' or 'in a similar situation.'

En semejante caso, lo mejor es llamar a la policía.

Semejante a lo anterior

— A formal way to say 'similar to what was previously mentioned.'

Este proceso es semejante a lo anterior.

Sin nada semejante

— Means 'without anything like it' or 'unique.'

Es un paisaje sin nada semejante en la tierra.

Hacer algo semejante

— To do something similar or to do such a thing.

No me atrevería a hacer algo semejante.

Ver algo semejante

— To see something like that / such a thing.

Nunca vi algo semejante en mi vida.

Semejante al de

— A structure used for comparing possessions or qualities of different people.

Su coche es semejante al de mi tío.

Frequentemente confundido com

semejante vs igual

Igual means identical/exactly the same. Semejante means similar/resembling.

semejante vs mismo

Mismo refers to the specific identity (the very same one). Semejante refers to characteristics.

semejante vs tal

Tal is a neutral 'such'. Semejante is an emphatic 'such'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"¡Semejante pedazo de...!"

— An intensive used before a noun to emphasize size or stupidity, often followed by 'animal' or 'tonto'.

¡Semejante pedazo de tonto eres!

informal

"Ver para creer semejante..."

— Used to express that you had to see such a thing to believe it.

Ver para creer semejante descaro.

neutral

"No haber visto semejante cosa"

— An expression of total amazement or shock.

En mis ochenta años, no había visto semejante cosa.

neutral

"Semejante bicho"

— Refers to a very strange person or a large/ugly insect/animal.

Ten cuidado con semejante bicho, puede picar.

informal

"¡A semejantes horas!"

— Used to complain about someone arriving or calling very late or at an inappropriate time.

¿Cómo te atreves a llamar a semejantes horas?

neutral

"Semejante facha"

— Refers to someone looking ridiculous or having a terrible appearance.

¡Mira qué semejante facha trae con esa ropa!

informal (Spain)

"Hacerse el semejante"

— A rare regional way to say someone is acting like someone they are not (similar to 'hacerse el importante').

No te hagas el semejante con nosotros.

slang

"Semejante jaleo"

— Refers to a huge mess, noise, or complicated situation.

No entiendo cómo se armó semejante jaleo.

informal

"Tratar como a un semejante"

— To treat someone as an equal, with dignity.

Incluso al enemigo hay que tratarlo como a un semejante.

formal

"¡Semejante susto!"

— Used to describe a very big fright.

¡Semejante susto me diste al entrar sin avisar!

neutral

Fácil de confundir

semejante vs parecido

Both mean similar.

Parecido is more casual and focuses on looks. Semejante is more formal and can be used as an intensifier.

Es parecido a su padre (looks like him). Es semejante a su padre (shares his character/nature).

semejante vs similar

Direct cognate.

Similar is neutral/scientific. Semejante has the extra 'such a' meaning and a human noun form.

Dos colores similares. ¡Semejante color! (What a color!)

semejante vs asimismo

Sounds slightly similar.

Asimismo is an adverb meaning 'likewise' or 'also'. Semejante is an adjective.

Asimismo, debemos considerar... (Also, we must consider...)

semejante vs semejanza

Related word.

Semejanza is the noun (similarity). Semejante is the adjective (similar).

Hay una semejanza entre ellos. Son semejantes.

semejante vs asemejarse

Related verb.

Asemejarse is the action of resembling. Semejante is the state of being similar.

Se asemejan mucho. Son muy semejantes.

Padrões de frases

A es semejante a B.

Mi perro es semejante a tu perro.

¡Semejante [Noun]!

¡Semejante pastel!

No esperaba semejante [Noun].

No esperaba semejante respuesta.

En un caso semejante al de...

En un caso semejante al de María, yo renunciaría.

Semejante [Idea] requiere...

Semejante propuesta requiere más tiempo.

El reconocimiento del semejante.

La ética se basa en el reconocimiento del semejante.

[Noun] + semejante a + [Pronoun].

Un vestido semejante al mío.

Bajo condiciones semejantes.

Bajo condiciones semejantes, el agua hierve igual.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

semejanza (similarity)

semejante (fellow human)

Verbos

asemejar (to make similar)

asemejarse (to resemble)

Adjetivos

semejable (rarely used, capable of being similar)

Relacionado

símil

similitud

simultáneo

asimilación

simulacro

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Como usar

frequency

Common in all registers but specific in its emphatic use.

Erros comuns

Un semejante error. → Semejante error.
When using 'semejante' as an intensifier (such a), the indefinite article is usually omitted.
Dos cosas semejante. → Dos cosas semejantes.
The adjective must agree in number with the plural noun 'cosas'.
Semejante con mi coche. → Semejante a mi coche.
The preposition 'a' is required for comparisons with 'semejante'.
Es semejante que... → Es semejante a...
You cannot follow 'semejante' directly with a 'que' clause like you do with 'parece que'.
Usar semejante para 'identical'. → Usar mismo o idéntico.
Semejante means similar, not 100% the same. Use 'mismo' for identity.

Dicas

Placement Matters

Remember: After noun = similar. Before noun = such a/so great. This is the key to B2 level mastery.

Use as a Noun

Use 'nuestros semejantes' in essays about society to sound more sophisticated and empathetic.

Expressive Outbursts

Next time you are shocked, say '¡Semejante cosa!' instead of '¡Qué cosa!' to sound more native.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use 'muy' with 'semejante' when it's before the noun. 'Semejante' already carries the meaning of 'very' or 'such'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'semejante' in a church or a human rights talk, it almost certainly means 'fellow human'.

The Guttural J

Practice the 'j' sound in 'semejante'. It should sound like you are clearing your throat slightly, not like an English 'h'.

Academic Precision

In scientific writing, use 'semejante' to describe things that are not identical but share properties.

Agreement

Always check if your noun is plural. 'Situaciones semejantes' is a very common phrase.

Universal Word

You can use this word anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world without being misunderstood.

Same-Jan-Te

Think of it as 'Same-Jan-Te'. It's about things being almost the same.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the word 'Same-Jan-Te'. It starts like 'Same', and it means things that are almost the 'same' (similar).

Associação visual

Imagine two twins standing together. They are 'semejantes'. Now imagine one twin is giant—'¡Semejante gigante!'

Word Web

Similar Parecido Tal Humano Igual Análogo Respeto Comparación

Desafio

Try to use 'semejante' three times today: once to compare two things, once to express surprise ('¡Semejante...!'), and once to talk about people.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Latin word 'similis', which means 'like' or 'resembling'. It evolved through Vulgar Latin 'similians' into the Old Spanish 'semejante'.

Significado original: To be like or to have the appearance of something else.

Romance (Latin-based)

Contexto cultural

When using 'semejantes' to refer to people, it is generally respectful and inclusive. However, avoid 'semejante calaña' or 'semejante bicho' as they are insults.

English speakers often over-rely on 'similar' and miss the emotional power of 'semejante' as an intensifier. Using 'semejante' correctly makes you sound more empathetic and expressive.

The phrase 'Amarás a tu semejante' (You shall love your fellow man) is a common biblical translation. Don Quixote often uses 'semejante' in his high-flown, archaic speeches. Modern Spanish pop songs use 'semejante' to describe overwhelming love or pain.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Mathematics/Geometry

Triángulos semejantes
Polígonos semejantes
Razón de semejanza
Lados semejantes

Ethics/Religion

Amor al semejante
Respeto a los semejantes
Dignidad del semejante
Ayuda al semejante

Daily Frustration

¡Semejante tontería!
¡Semejante lío!
¡Semejante error!
¡Semejante noticia!

Scientific Reports

Resultados semejantes
Condiciones semejantes
En un estudio semejante
Comportamiento semejante

Legal/Formal

Un caso semejante
Semejante pretensión
Bajo términos semejantes
A falta de norma semejante

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Alguna vez has visto semejante espectáculo en vivo?"

"¿Crees que tu personalidad es semejante a la de tus padres?"

"¿Qué harías en una situación semejante a la de la película?"

"¿Es importante para ti tratar a todos tus semejantes por igual?"

"¿Has escuchado semejante rumor sobre la nueva empresa?"

Temas para diário

Describe una vez que cometiste semejante error que nunca lo olvidarás.

Escribe sobre un amigo que tenga gustos semejantes a los tuyos.

Reflexiona sobre lo que significa amar a tus semejantes en el mundo moderno.

¿Qué harías si te encontraras en semejante dilema ético?

Compara dos ciudades que hayas visitado y que sean semejantes entre sí.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

While grammatically possible, it's non-native. When used as 'such a,' you should omit the article: '¡Semejante error!' Adding 'un' makes it sound like 'one similar error,' which changes the emphasis.

It is both! Adjectives ending in -e don't change for gender in Spanish. So you say 'un hombre semejante' and 'una mujer semejante'.

In Spanish, you should always use 'semejante a'. 'Semejante con' is considered incorrect or a result of interference from other languages.

Use 'semejante' for formal writing, technical comparisons, or when you want to express shock/emphasis ('Such a thing!'). Use 'parecido' for everyday physical resemblances.

Not always. As an adjective, it just means 'similar things' (e.g., 'colores semejantes'). But as a noun ('nuestros semejantes'), it specifically refers to other humans.

No, it's not rude by itself. However, because it's an intensifier, it can make an insult stronger (e.g., '¡Semejante idiota!'). Use it carefully with negative words.

Just add an 's' to the end: 'semejantes'. Make sure it matches the noun it describes.

Yes, in the sense of 'such a large amount.' 'Gastó semejante dinero' means 'He spent such (a huge amount of) money.'

Yes, it is a universal Spanish word used from Spain to Argentina.

It translates to 'similar triangles' in geometry, meaning they have the same shape but different sizes.

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