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How to Say "mediator" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mediator” is “tercero” — use 'tercero' when referring to an uninvolved third party who is privy to information or has a neutral position, often in a business or legal context, rather than actively resolving a dispute.

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tercero

tehr-SEH-rohteɾˈseɾo

nounB1general
Use 'tercero' when referring to an uninvolved third party who is privy to information or has a neutral position, often in a business or legal context, rather than actively resolving a dispute.
Two distinct cartoon figures standing close together and shaking hands, symbolizing an agreement. A third, unrelated figure stands a short distance away, observing the transaction neutrally.

Examples

No podemos revelar esa información a un tercero.

We cannot reveal that information to a third party.

Llamaron a una tercera para que mediara en la disputa.

They called a third person (feminine) to mediate the dispute.

Referring to People

When used as a noun, 'tercero' refers to any person or entity outside the main two involved, and it must still match the gender of that person (tercero for a man, tercera for a woman).

árbitro

nounB2legal, business
Use 'árbitro' specifically for someone appointed to officially settle a disagreement or dispute, acting as a judge or decision-maker.

Examples

Las empresas nombraron a un árbitro para resolver el contrato.

The companies appointed an arbitrator to resolve the contract.

Tercero vs. Árbitro

Learners often confuse 'tercero' and 'árbitro' by using 'tercero' when an active dispute resolution is implied. Remember, 'tercero' signifies a neutral party or outsider, while 'árbitro' is the one actively making a decision to resolve a conflict.

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