"Tal para cual" is a phrase that functions as a set expression in Spanish, often used as an idiom.
/tal paɾa kwal/
"Tal para cual" is used to describe two people or things that are very similar, often in a way that suggests a perfect match or compatibility. It can have a positive connotation, referring to pairs that complement each other well, but it may also be used critically to point out negative qualities when matching individuals. This phrase is common in both oral speech and written contexts but tends to appear more frequently in informal conversation.
Juan y María son tal para cual; siempre están de acuerdo en todo.
(Juan and María are two of a kind; they always agree on everything.)
Esa pareja es tal para cual; se entienden sin necesidad de hablar.
(That couple is just right for each other; they understand each other without needing to talk.)
Los dos amigos son tal para cual, nunca se separan.
(The two friends are birds of a feather; they never part ways.)
"Tal para cual" is frequently used in the context of relationships, partnerships, or comparisons. Here are some idiomatic expressions that include this phrase:
Siempre que veo a Pedro y a su hermano, pienso que son tal para cual.
(Whenever I see Pedro and his brother, I think they are two of a kind.)
En ese negocio son tal para cual; se complementan perfectamente.
(In that business, they are just right for each other; they complement each other perfectly.)
No me sorprende que esos dos sean amigos; son tal para cual.
(I'm not surprised those two are friends; they are birds of a feather.)
Su forma de pensar es tal para cual con la mía, por eso trabajamos bien juntos.
(His way of thinking is just right for mine; that's why we work well together.)
Esa pareja siempre discute, pero son tal para cual, eso no se puede negar.
(That couple always argues, but they are definitely two of a kind, that can't be denied.)
The phrase "tal para cual" combines "tal" (such) and "para" (for) with "cual" (which). It emphasizes the similarity between two subjects, essentially saying they are perfectly matched in their characteristics or qualities.