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"Lo mejor" is a phrase which is often translated as "the best", and "igual" is an adjective which is often translated as "equal". Learn more about the difference between "lo mejor" and "igual" below.
lo mejor(
loh
meh
-
hohr
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. the best
En estos casos, lo mejor que se puede hacer es simplemente esperar a ver qué pasa.In these cases, the best you can do is just wait and see what happens.
a. the best
Ella lo hizo lo mejor que pudo, pero está claro que no fue suficiente.She did it the best she could, but it was clearly not enough.
a. the best thing
Los efectos especiales son lo mejor de la película.The special effects are the best thing about the movie.
a. the best part
Cuando estábamos en lo mejor del partido se puso a llover.We were at the best part of the game when it started to rain.
b. the prime (of one's life)
Mi hermano murió estando en lo mejor de la vida.My brother died in the prime of his life.
igual(
ee
-
gwahl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. equal
Todos somos iguales en esta casa y todos tenemos que cooperar con los quehaceres domésticos.We are all equal in this house, and we all have to help with the chores.
3. (similar)
5. (regular)
6. (sports)
b. level (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Los Spurs y Golden State van iguales.The Spurs and Golden State are level.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
8. (possibly)
9. (anyway)
a. just the same
Luís pidió disculpas pero la maestra lo castigó igual.Luis apologized, but the teacher punished him just the same.
b. still
Pagué la cuota a tiempo pero me cobraron recargos igual.I paid my dues on time, but was still charged late fees.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
10. (mathematics)
a. equal sign (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Esto debe ser un signo de mayor, no de igual.This should be a greater than symbol, not an equal sign.
b. equals sign (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No se olviden de poner el igual en el problema.Don't forget to write the equals sign in the problem.
los iguales
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
12. (colloquial) (lottery) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. lottery tickets
Compré unos iguales cuando estaba en Valencia.I bought some lottery tickets when I was in Valencia.
