Maybe, just maybe
You likely know that lo mismo translates to "the same". However, in everyday conversation in Spain, it is frequently used to mean "maybe" or "might" when making a casual guess. Because it expresses a spontaneous, colloquial prediction rather than deep doubt, it is followed by the indicative mood.
You can use it to guess what might happen with a meetup (la quedada), like if plans go wrong (torcerse) or if a sudden rain shower (el chubasco) ruins the afternoon.
| Maybe the meetup will go wrong. | Lo mismo la quedada se tuerce. |
| Maybe a shower will fall this afternoon. | Lo mismo cae un chubasco esta tarde. |
Bailing on plans
When making casual predictions about social lives, you might guess that someone will cancel. Use the reflexive verb rajarse when someone gets cold feet or bails on a plan.
If they go a step further and completely stand you up, use the expression dar plantón (to stand someone up).
| If it rains, maybe he will back out of the meetup. | Si llueve, lo mismo se raja de la quedada. |
| Maybe they will back out and stand us up. | Lo mismo se rajan y nos dan plantón. |
Good vibes only
Not all guesses are pessimistic! You can also use lo mismo to predict a great time. To describe an amazing plan, add the amplifying suffix -azo to plan to get el planazo.
You might guess that a friend will join in (apuntarse) for an afternoon of drinks and socializing (el tardeo), where you can usually expect an incredible atmosphere (el ambientazo).
| Maybe my sister will join the afternoon outing later. | Lo mismo mi hermana se apunta al tardeo luego. |
| Maybe there is an amazing atmosphere at the party. | Lo mismo hay un ambientazo en la fiesta. |
