When we want to express that something or someone has the same qualities as something or someone else, for example Paul is as tall as John, the most common way to express this in Spanish is to use tan ... como.
See Using tan ... como = as ... as (comparatives with adjectives and adverbs)
But there is another way to express this.
Igual de... que
With adjectives
Los padres de Javier son igual de estrictos que sus abuelos.Javier's parents are as strict as his grandparents.
Note: as always, adjectives need to agree in number and gender with the noun they refer to. However "igual de" is invariable.
Important:
When we are comparing two people/animals/things with each other, and we use the plural as the subject, we don't need to add "que". For example:
With adverbs
Igual que
We can also use igual que when the comparison is about someone doing something in the same way or the same quantity as another person. For example:
See also:
Using tanto como with verbs and nouns to say as much/many ... as (comparatives) and Using tan ... como = as ... as (comparatives with adjectives and adverbs)Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
Los padres de Javier son igual de estrictos que sus abuelos.Javier's parents are as strict as his grandparents.
Mi abuela sabe coser igual de maravillosamente que cuando era joven.My grandma knows how to sew as beautifully as when she was young.
Blanca habla inglés igual de bien que Cristina.Blanca's spoken English is as good as Cristina's. (lit: speaks English as well as Cristina)
El jefe nos trató igual de amablemente que su secretaria.The boss treated us as nicely as his secretary.
-Tu vestido es muy bonito. -Tu vestido es igual de bonito.-Your dress is very pretty. - Your dress is as pretty.
La fotocopiadora funciona igual de lento que la impresora.The copy machine works as slowly as the printer.
Mi hijo ronca igual que su padre.My son snores like his dad. (the same way, e.g. loudly, continuously...)
Me gustan estas dos camisetas y las dos son igual de baratas.I like these two t-shirts and they are both equally cheap.
