Même is probably the first word that comes to mind when you want to say "same" in French. But did you know there are many other ways to express similarity, identity, or agreement?

To truly sound like a native speaker and add nuance to your conversations, it's incredibly helpful to know these alternatives.

Let's dive into 9 different ways to say "same" in French, so you can express yourself with precision and flair!

1. The most common and versatile 'same' – même

The most common and versatile 'same' – même

Même is an incredibly versatile French word, primarily meaning 'same', but also frequently used to convey 'even' or to emphasize 'self'.

When même acts as an adjective meaning 'same', it typically precedes the noun and agrees in number with it. It does not change for gender. So you'll see: même (singular) and mêmes (plural). For example, la même robe (the same dress) or les mêmes idées (the same ideas).

Beyond 'same', même often functions as an adverb meaning 'even', adding emphasis to a statement. In this case, it is invariable (doesn't change form) and usually placed before the word it modifies. For instance, Il a même ri (He even laughed).

Même can also be used after a stressed pronoun (like moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles) or a reflexive pronoun to mean 'self' or 'themselves', adding emphasis. Examples include moi-même (myself) or elles-mêmes (themselves).

Même appears in several common and useful expressions that add nuance to French conversations. Some popular ones include quand même (even so, all the same, anyway) and tout de même (still, all the same, anyway).

💡 * Nous avons la même idée. (We have the same idea.)

• Elle a même oublié son nom. (She even forgot her name.)
• Fais-le toi-même! (Do it yourself!)
• Ce n'est pas la même chose. (It's not the same thing.)
• Il est venu quand même. (He came anyway/all the same.)

The 'identical' or 'exactly the same' – identique

The 'identical' or 'exactly the same' – identique

Identique is a French adjective that directly translates to 'identical' or 'exactly the same' in English. It's used to describe two or more things that are indistinguishable from each other.

As an adjective, identique must agree in number with the noun it modifies. However, unlike many French adjectives, it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. It only changes in its plural form, becoming identiques.

It's important to differentiate identique from similaire ('similar'). While similaire implies likeness or resemblance, identique denotes absolute sameness, leaving no room for difference. Think of it as a stronger, more precise term.

You'd use identique when talking about two copies of the same document, twins, or objects manufactured to be perfectly alike. For instance, two identical shirts from a production line, or two DNA samples that match perfectly.

Common phrases include 'être identique à' (to be identical to) or 'copie identique' (identical copy). It's a straightforward word, but its precise meaning is key for clear communication.

Using identique correctly shows a strong command of nuance, emphasizing absolute sameness rather than mere similarity. It's a powerful word for precise comparisons in French.

💡 * Ces deux photos sont identiques. (These two photos are identical.)

• Nos empreintes digitales ne sont pas identiques. (Our fingerprints are not identical.)
• Ils ont la même voiture, mais elles ne sont pas identiques. (They have the same car, but they are not identical.)
• Leurs résultats d'examen étaient identiques. (Their exam results were identical.)
• Chaque cellule contient une copie identique de l'ADN. (Each cell contains an identical copy of DNA.)

The 'alike' or 'similar' (often informal) – pareil/pareille

The French word pareil (or pareille for feminine) is commonly used to express the idea of 'alike,' 'similar,' 'the same,' or 'identical.'

Like many French adjectives, pareil changes its form to agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number: pareil (masculine singular), pareille (feminine singular), pareils (masculine plural), and pareilles (feminine plural).

Most frequently, pareil/pareille functions as an adjective, placed after the noun it describes. For instance, une situation pareille means 'a similar situation' or 'such a situation.'

It can also act as a pronoun, meaning 'the same thing' or 'something similar,' often preceded by le/la/les. For example, faire pareil means 'to do the same (thing).' It can also be part of adverbial phrases like de la même façon or pareillement.

While versatile, pareil/pareille often carries a slightly more informal tone compared to synonyms like similaire or identique, especially when used in everyday conversation.

You'll often hear it in common expressions such as C'est pareil ! (It's the same thing! / It doesn't matter!), sans pareil (unparalleled), or pareillement (likewise, same to you).

💡 * On a les mêmes goûts, c'est pareil pour nous. (We have the same tastes, it's the same for us.)* Je n'ai jamais vu une chose pareille. (I've never seen such a thing.)* Ne fais pas pareil la prochaine fois. (Don't do the same thing next time.)* Pareillement, bonne journée ! (Likewise, have a good day!)

The 'equal' or 'same in value/quantity' – égal/égale

The French adjective égal (masculine singular) or égale (feminine singular) translates to “equal” or “the same in value/quantity” in English. It's used to describe things that are equivalent or comparable.

As an adjective, égal/égale must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine plural is égaux, and the feminine plural is égales. This is crucial for correct usage.

You'll frequently encounter égal/égale in contexts comparing quantities, values, or states. For instance, in mathematics (e.g., “deux plus deux est égal à quatre”) or when stating that two things are identical in some aspect.

Beyond its adjective form, égal can also function as a noun: un égal (an equal, a peer) or une égale (a female equal/peer). This usage emphasizes a person's status or capability relative to others.

💡 * Deux plus deux est égal à quatre. (Two plus two is equal to four.)

• Ces deux quantités sont égales. (These two quantities are equal.)
• Nous sommes tous égaux devant la loi. (We are all equal before the law.)
• Elle n'a pas son égale en intelligence. (She doesn't have her equal in intelligence.)
• Il considère chacun comme son égal. (He considers everyone his equal.)

The 'similar' or 'comparable' – similaire

The "similar" or "comparable" – similaire

The French word similaire directly translates to "similar" or "comparable" in English. It's used to describe things that share characteristics, qualities, or appearances.

As an adjective, similaire is versatile and can describe nouns of any gender or number. A helpful point for learners is that it remains unchanged in its feminine and plural forms, always ending in -e.

When specifying what something is similar to, similaire is commonly followed by the preposition à (to or with), creating phrases like "similaire à quelque chose" (similar to something).

You'll encounter similaire in a wide range of contexts, from describing physical resemblances to comparing abstract concepts, making it a highly useful term in everyday conversation and formal writing alike.

💡 * Ces deux couleurs sont très similaires. (These two colors are very similar.)

• Son idée est similaire à la nôtre. (His/Her idea is similar to ours.)
• Nous avons des parcours professionnels similaires. (We have similar career paths.)
• Les résultats obtenus sont similaires à ceux attendus. (The results obtained are similar to the expected ones.)

The 'conforming' or 'in accordance with' – conforme

The French word conforme is an adjective that translates to ‘conforming,’ ‘compliant,’ or ‘in accordance with.’ It's a versatile term used to describe something that matches a standard, rule, or expectation.

One of the most common uses of conforme is to indicate that something adheres to rules, regulations, or standards. You'll often see it in legal, administrative, or technical contexts, meaning ‘compliant’ or ‘up to standard.’

It can also be used more generally to express that something is ‘in agreement with’ or ‘matching’ something else. For instance, a copy might be conforme to the original, or a decision conforme to a recommendation.

As an adjective, conforme must agree in number with the noun it modifies. It doesn't change for gender. So, it will be conforme for singular nouns (masculine or feminine) and conformes for plural nouns (masculine or feminine).

You'll frequently encounter phrases like être conforme à (to be compliant with/in accordance with) or rendre conforme (to make compliant). It's a formal yet essential word for expressing adherence or agreement.

💡 * Le document est conforme aux exigences légales. (The document is compliant with legal requirements.)

• Cette copie est conforme à l'original. (This copy is true to the original.)
• Le produit n'est pas conforme aux normes de sécurité. (The product does not conform to safety standards.)
• Nous devons rendre nos procédures conformes aux nouvelles réglementations. (We must make our procedures compliant with the new regulations.)
• Son comportement est conforme à nos attentes. (His behavior is in accordance with our expectations.)

The 'analogous' or 'corresponding' – analogue

The French word analogue directly translates to 'analogous' or 'corresponding' in English. It describes something that bears a resemblance or similarity to something else, often in function or structure.

Primarily used as an adjective, analogue modifies a noun to indicate a similarity or correspondence. It can be used in various contexts, from scientific descriptions to everyday comparisons.

A key feature of analogue is its invariability when used as an adjective. Unlike many French adjectives, it does not change its form to agree in gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural) with the noun it modifies.

💡 * Le système français est analogue au système allemand. (The French system is analogous to the German system.)

• Ils ont trouvé des résultats analogues dans leur étude. (They found analogous results in their study.)
• Cette situation est analogue à celle que nous avons vécue l'année dernière. (This situation is analogous to the one we experienced last year.)
• Les deux méthodes sont analogues en termes d'efficacité. (The two methods are analogous in terms of efficiency.)

The 'of the same kind' or 'of the same sort' – du même genre

The phrase du même genre literally translates to 'of the same kind' or 'of the same sort'. It's used to describe things that share similar characteristics, types, or categories.

This expression is highly versatile and can be applied to a wide range of nouns, from objects and ideas to people and situations. It emphasizes a shared nature or classification.

When you use du même genre, you are often drawing a comparison or noting a resemblance between one thing and another already mentioned or understood. It can sometimes imply a commonality or even a lack of originality.

💡 * Je n'aime pas les films d'horreur, et les thrillers, c'est un peu du même genre. (I don't like horror movies, and thrillers are a bit of the same kind.)

• Ces deux problèmes sont du même genre, ils nécessitent la même approche. (These two problems are of the same kind, they require the same approach.)
• Elle porte toujours des robes du même genre. (She always wears dresses of the same sort.)
• Ce restaurant propose de la cuisine du même genre que celui d'à côté. (This restaurant offers cuisine of the same type as the one next door.)

The common phrase 'the same thing' – la même chose

To express "the same thing" in French, the most common and direct translation is la même chose. This versatile phrase is used in a wide array of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions.

Let's break down la même chose:

• la: The feminine singular definite article, meaning "the".
• même: An adjective meaning "same".
• chose: A feminine singular noun meaning "thing". Thus, la même chose literally translates to "the same thing."

La même chose is incredibly common and can be used whenever you want to say "the same thing." It's a fundamental expression for comparing or indicating identity between two items or situations. You'll hear it constantly in spoken French.

While chose is always feminine, remember that the adjective même can change its form to mêmes if it modifies a plural noun (e.g., les mêmes choses - "the same things"). However, for "the same thing" specifically, it remains la même chose.

💡 * On a acheté la même chose. (We bought the same thing.)

• Tu penses la même chose que moi ? (Do you think the same thing as me?)
• C'est toujours la même chose. (It's always the same thing.)
• Je veux la même chose, s'il vous plaît. (I want the same thing, please.)
• Elles ont dit la même chose. (They said the same thing.)

Are there other ways to say 'same' in French?

Are there other ways to say "same" in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say "same" in French. However, the French language is rich with nuance, offering various expressions depending on the context, formality, and specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

You can also do an online search for "comment exprimer la similitude en français" or "synonymes de même" to explore more options and see how they are used in different Francophone regions.

You might find some interesting alternatives for même on this list. Of course, always make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you incorporate it into your vocabulary.

Pay close attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to talk about similarity, identity, or things being identical.

And if you’re looking for a deeper dive into the various uses and nuances of même, or words related to similarity in French, the WordReference entry for même is an excellent place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful in navigating the many ways to say "same" in French. Here’s what I think is a perfect quote to finish it with, emphasizing the richness of expression: "Le même sentiment peut être exprimé de mille manières différentes." (The same feeling can be expressed in a thousand different ways.)