How to Say "disparity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “disparity” is “desigualdad” — use this term for general economic or social inequality, or a noticeable difference or gap between groups or things..
desigualdad
/deh-see-gwahl-dahd//desiɣwalˈdað/
Examples
La desigualdad económica está creciendo en todo el mundo.
Economic inequality is growing all over the world.
Debemos luchar por eliminar la desigualdad de género.
We must fight to eliminate gender inequality.
Hay una gran desigualdad entre los barrios ricos y pobres.
There is a great disparity between rich and poor neighborhoods.
The '-dad' Trick
Most Spanish words ending in '-dad' are feminine and correspond to English words ending in '-ty' (equality, liberty, inequality).
Linking types of inequality
To specify what kind of inequality you are talking about, use 'de' followed by the topic, like 'desigualdad de oportunidades' (inequality of opportunities).
Gender confusion
Mistake: “el desigualdad”
Correction: la desigualdad. Words ending in -dad are always feminine.
brecha
/BREH-chah//ˈbɾet͡ʃa/
Examples
La brecha salarial entre hombres y mujeres sigue siendo un problema.
The wage gap between men and women remains a problem.
Es difícil entenderse por la brecha generacional.
It's hard to understand each other because of the generation gap.
Debemos reducir la brecha digital en las zonas rurales.
We must reduce the digital divide in rural areas.
Abstract Gaps
When talking about social differences, 'brecha' implies a distance that is difficult to cross, much like a physical canyon.
Using 'Gap' directly
Mistake: “Saying 'el gap salarial'.”
Correction: Always use 'la brecha salarial'. While 'gap' is understood in business, it is not correct Spanish.
desequilibrio
/dess-eh-kee-lee-BREE-oh//desekiliˈβɾjo/
Examples
Casi me caigo por un pequeño desequilibrio al caminar.
I almost fell because of a small loss of balance while walking.
Hay un desequilibrio evidente entre la oferta y la demanda.
There is an obvious mismatch between supply and demand.
El médico dice que tengo un desequilibrio hormonal.
The doctor says I have a hormonal imbalance.
It's a masculine noun
Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule. Always use masculine articles: 'el desequilibrio' or 'un desequilibrio'.
Using 'de' to describe it
To specify what kind of imbalance it is, just add 'de' plus the subject, like 'desequilibrio de fuerzas' (imbalance of forces).
Confusing with 'desequilibrado'
Mistake: “Él tiene un desequilibrado.”
Correction: Él tiene un desequilibrio.
Choosing Between 'Desigualdad' and 'Brecha'
Related Translations
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