mesmo

Mesmo is a Portuguese word with several closely related functions. As an adjective, it means “the same” or “identical,” used to indicate equivalence between two nouns, as in o mesmo livro (the same book) or a mesma pessoa (the same person). It can also appear with a definite article to form o mesmo, functioning as a pronoun meaning “the same one.”

As an adverb, mesmo serves as an intensifier meaning “really,” “indeed,” or “even.” It often precedes adjectives or adverbs, as in é mesmo difícil (it’s really difficult) or ele é mesmo talentoso. It can also appear after a noun phrase in colloquial speech: isso é verdade mesmo (that is really true).

Mesmo participates in fixed expressions with distinct senses. For example, mesmo que + subjunctive expresses “even if” (Mesmo que chova, vamos — Even if it rains, we’ll go). Mesmo assim means “nevertheless” or “even so.” The phrase pelos mesmos motivos means “for the same reasons,” and para o mesmo fim means “for the same purpose.” Other common forms include eu mesmo (myself) and você mesmo (yourself), used for emphasis.

Usage notes and varieties. Mesmo is widely used in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, with slight stylistic differences. It often adds emphasis or certainty and can be placed before or after the word it modifies, depending on emphasis and rhythm. When translating into English, its sense depends on context, ranging from “the same” to “really” or “even.”