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"Equal" is an adjective which is often translated as "igual", and "match" is a noun which is often translated as "el fósforo". Learn more about the difference between "equal" and "match" below.
equal(
i
-
kwuhl
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. igual
They are equal in size.Son de igual tamaño.
a. equilibrado
It was a fairly equal contest, ending in a 1-1 tie.Fue un partido equilibrado que acabó en empate a 1.
a. capaz de
I did not feel equal to the challenge.No me sentía capaz de aceptar el desafío.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
noun
a. el igual
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
, la igual
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
I can't think of anyone here who is his equal.No puedo pensar en nadie aquí que sea su igual.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. ser igual a
Two plus two equals four.Dos más dos es igual a cuatro.
a. igualar
Nothing equals his talent.Nada iguala su talento.
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match(
mahch
)
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
noun
a. el fósforo
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
Use a match to light the candle.Usa un fósforo para encender la vela.
b. el cerillo
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
The matches got wet so we had to throw them out.Los cerillos se mojaron así que tuvimos que botarlos.
c. la cerilla
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
He asked me for a match to light his cigarette.Me pidió una cerilla para encender su cigarrillo.
a. el partido
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
The Spain-Belarus match will be held tomorrow in Barcelona.El partido España-Bielorrusia se celebrará mañana en Barcelona.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
I think Alicia would be a great match for Jorge.Creo que Alicia haría buena pareja con Jorge.
What sign is the best match for me?¿Qué signo es el que mejor me corresponde?
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. combinar con
He always makes sure that his belt matches his shoes.Él siempre asegura que su cinturón combine con sus zapatos.
a. igualar
I don't know if they'll be able to match last year's sales growth.No sé si podrán igualar el aumento en ventas del año pasado.
a. enfrentarse
The four teams will match in the elimination round.Los cuatro equipos se enfrentarán en la ronda de eliminación.
a. emparejar
Match the sentences and the images.Empareja las frases y las imágenes.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. combinar
Your shoes and purse do not have to match.Tus zapatos y tu bolso no tienen que combinar.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.