What does ‘igualmente’ mean in Spanish?
In Spanish, ‘igualmente’ means ‘equally’ and, as a result, it expresses sameness. Spanish speakers also use it to say ‘you too’ or as a synonym of ‘likewise’ when responding to people’s good wishes. ‘Igualmente’ can also be translated as ‘anyway’ when talking about things that happen despite a possible challenge.
Since ‘igualmente’ is a very useful and frequent word in Spanish conversations, you should know how and when to use it. That’s why in the next sections, I’ll provide more in-depth explanations and examples of how to apply this word.
What is ‘igualmente’ in Spanish?
The word igualmente in Spanish expresses equality and it can be translated as ‘equally’ or ‘likewise’. As a result, we typically use this word to express that something is equivalent to another thing that was mentioned earlier in a conversation.
When used as a synonym of ‘likewise’ it also works as a response to good wishes. And, lastly, in situations where people want to say that something was carried out despite a difficulty, it means ‘anyway’.
- If comparing two or more things that are analogous, ‘igualmente’ means ‘equally’, ‘also’ or ‘likewise’.
- When used as a courteous response to certain phrases, ‘igualmente’ means ‘likewise’ or ‘you too’.
- ‘Igualmente’ is close in meaning to ‘anyway’ when pointing out that something happens regardless of an obstacle.
To compare things
Since igualmente in Spanish means ‘equally’, this adverb can be used to talk about things that are made in the same manner. People also use this word to add new information to a sentence. Depending on the context, its English equivalents could also be ‘likewise’ or ‘also’.
[Noun] + (verb) + igualmente + (adjective)
Yo trato a todos mis alumnos igualmente.
I treat all my students equally.
No todos los trabajos son igualmente agotadores.
Not all jobs are equally exhausting.
Deberíamos considerar las ideas de todos igualmente.
We should consider everyone’s ideas equally.
As you may have noticed, the previous examples allow you to express that two actions are made the same way. Here is a phrase structure you can use to add new and similar information to your sentence.
[Information] + e + igualmente + [new information]
Voy a abrir un restaurante, e igualmente, quiero abrir una panadería.
I’m going to open a restaurant, and I also want to open a bakery.
Tengo que empezar a comer bien, e igualmente debo hacer ejercicio.
I have to start eating healthy, and I also need to exercise.
Si quieres tener buenas calificaciones deber estudiar, e igualmente, entregar las tareas.
If you want to have good grades, you should study, and also turn in the assignments.
As a courteous response
In Spanish, it’s very common for native speakers to use ‘igualmente’ as a polite response to someone’s kind words. This is a way for us to say that we wish the same for them. So, in this context, ‘igualmente’ is close in meaning to ‘likewise’ or ‘you too’.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tu amigo: ¡Buen provecho! | Your friend: Enjoy your meal! |
| Tú: ¡Igualmente! | You: You too! |
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tu amigo: Que descanses. | Your friend: Sleep well. |
| Tú: Gracias, igualmente. | You: Thank you, you too. |
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tu compañera: Encantada de conocerte | Your coworker: Nice to meet you. |
| Tú: Igualmente. | You: Likewise. |
As a synonym of ‘anyway’
Another way to use ‘igualmente’ in Spanish is to express that some event or situation happened even when the circumstances made it seem like it wouldn’t. In this situation, ‘igualmente’ can be translated as ‘anyway’.
Igualmente + [complement]
Llovió toda la noche, pero salimos igualmente.
It rained all night, but we went out anyway.
Lo corrieron del trabajo, pero se gastó sus ahorros igualmente.
They fired him from his work, but he spent his savings, anyway.
¿Para qué estudias si igualmente vas a trabajar en la empresa de tu papá?
Why do you study if you are going to work in your father’s company, anyway?
How do you pronounce ‘igualmente’ in Spanish
In Spanish, ‘igualmente’ is pronounced with a soft ‘g’. This pronunciation rule is applied every time a ‘g’ is followed by an ‘a’, ‘o’ or a ‘u’. As a result, the ‘gu’ in ‘igualmente’ should sound like the one in ‘guru’.
Synonyms for ‘igualmente’ in Spanish
- Igual means ‘equal’ and can also be translated as ‘same’. This is a more casual response to people’s wishes or kind words.
- De igual manera can be translated as ‘similarly’ or ‘in the same way’. You can use it as a formal way to introduce a point that’s similar to a previous one.
- De todas formas as well as its variation ‘de todas maneras’ mean ‘anyway’.