pareho

Both / the Same

Level 2

Pareho is used to describe identity (the same) or shared properties (both) for a pair of entities. It functions as an adjective or an adverb and is essential for comparing two things.

How It Works

Pareho is the standard way to express equality or shared identity in Filipino. It can be used in several ways:

  • As a Quantifier (Both): When describing two subjects, it often attracts enclitic pronouns. The linker then attaches to the pronoun: Pareho silang gutom (They are both hungry). While pareho usually implies a pair when translated as 'both', it can occasionally refer to more than two in casual speech when meaning 'the same'. However, for three or more entities, the reduplicated form pare-pareho is the standard choice.
  • As an Adjective: When it means 'the same,' it precedes the noun and uses the linker. For example, parehong kulay (the same color).
  • Indicating Shared Qualities: To specify what two people share, use the ng marker. For example, Pareho sila ng gusto (They both like the same thing).
  • Comparisons with Kapareho: To say something is 'the same as' another, use kapareho followed by the ng marker or a possessive pronoun. For example, Kapareho ito ng bag ko (This is the same as my bag).
  • Relationship vs. Set: Distinguish pareho (the state of being the same) from pares, which is a noun referring to a physical set or pair (e.g., isang pares ng sapatos).
  • With Similarity Prefixes: To emphasize that two things are the same as each other, the magka- relationship prefix is added to form magkapareho.

Examples (4)

  1. Pareho silang matalino.

    They are both intelligent.

    Word by Word: Same they-linker intelligent.

    Here, 'pareho' acts as the predicate. The enclitic pronoun 'sila' moves to the second position and takes the linker '-ng' to connect to the adjective.

  2. Gusto namin ang parehong sasakyan.

    We like the same car.

    Word by Word: Like we the same-linker car.

    In this sentence, 'pareho' modifies the noun 'sasakyan' (car) to indicate identity.

  3. Pareho kaming pupunta sa party.

    We are both going to the party.

    Word by Word: Same we-linker going to party.

    This shows 'pareho' used with the exclusive 'we' (kami) to indicate a shared future action.

  4. Magkapareho ang kulay ng ating mga damit.

    The colors of our clothes are the same.

    Word by Word: Same-each-other the color of our plural clothes.

    Using 'magkapareho' emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between the two items being compared.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the linker after the pronoun.

    Pareho sila masaya.
    Pareho silang masaya.

    When an enclitic pronoun follows 'pareho', it must take the linker (-ng or na) to connect to the following word.

  • Incorrect enclitic placement.

    Parehong masaya sila.
    Pareho silang masaya.

    In Filipino, short pronouns (enclitics) prefer the second position in a phrase, immediately following the head word 'pareho'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

parehoLevel 2Both / the Same

Learn This First

To use 'pareho' (both/same), you need to understand how Filipino constructs sentences without a verb ('is/are'), how to use plural pronouns like 'sila', and how these pronouns follow the predicate in the second position.

Words in This Pattern

pareho