Inklingo

How to Say "unequal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desigual

deh-see-GWAHLdesiˈɡwal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'desigual' when referring to a lack of equality in social status, rights, or opportunities within a society.
One large, ornate golden throne next to a small, simple wooden stool.

Examples

Vivimos en una sociedad muy desigual.

We live in a very unequal society.

Fue una lucha desigual entre el gigante y el pequeño.

It was an unbalanced fight between the giant and the small one.

Hay una distribución desigual de la riqueza.

There is an unequal distribution of wealth.

Desigual vs. Diferente

While both mean things aren't the same, 'desigual' specifically implies that one side is higher, lower, better, or worse—like a tilted scale.

Using it for 'different'

Mistake: “Tengo dos zapatos desiguales.”

Correction: Tengo dos zapatos diferentes. Use 'desigual' for things that should be level/equal but aren't. Use 'diferente' for variety.

dispar

dees-PARdisˈpaɾ

adjectiveB2general
Use 'dispar' when comparing two or more distinct things or people that are not the same in some way, emphasizing their difference.
A very large elephant standing next to a tiny mouse on a simple green field.

Examples

Los dos hermanos tienen gustos dispares en la música.

The two brothers have different tastes in music.

La crítica tuvo opiniones dispares sobre la nueva obra.

The critics had mixed (unequal) opinions about the new play.

Obtuvieron resultados dispares en las pruebas de laboratorio.

They obtained varying results in the laboratory tests.

One Form for All

This word doesn't change based on gender. Use 'el resultado dispar' for masculine and 'la opinión dispar' for feminine.

Making it Plural

Since it ends in a consonant (r), you just add '-es' to the end to make it plural: 'dispares'.

The 'A' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'dispara' for a feminine noun.”

Correction: Always use 'dispar'. For example, say 'una idea dispar' instead of 'una idea dispara'.

Confusing with Verbs

Mistake: “Thinking 'dispar' is related to shooting.”

Correction: While 'disparar' means 'to shoot,' 'dispar' is an adjective meaning 'unequal.' They are not used in the same way at all!

dispares

dees-PAH-rehsdisˈpaɾes

adjectiveB2general
Use 'dispares' when referring to results, qualities, or sizes that are notably different or inconsistent, often implying a lack of uniformity.
A row of three round fruits: one bright red apple, one yellow banana, and one purple bunch of grapes.

Examples

Los científicos obtuvieron resultados dispares en sus experimentos.

The scientists obtained different results in their experiments.

Tienen opiniones dispares sobre la nueva ley.

They have varying opinions about the new law.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are talking about masculine or feminine groups. You only need to worry about it being plural.

Using it for People's Character

Mistake: “Using it to mean 'weird' or 'strange'.”

Correction: Use 'raro' or 'extraño' instead. 'Dispares' only means that things don't match or are different from one another.

Desigual vs. Dispar/Dispares

Learners often confuse 'desigual' with 'dispar' or 'dispares'. Remember that 'desigual' is primarily for social or rights-based inequality, while 'dispar' and 'dispares' are for comparing or describing things that are simply not the same or are inconsistent.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.