At the A1 level, 'desigualdad' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as the opposite of 'igual' (equal/same). Think about two things that are not the same. If you have a big apple and a small apple, there is a 'desigualdad' in their size. At this level, don't worry about complex social issues. Just remember that 'des-' makes a word mean the opposite. Since 'igualdad' means 'being the same', 'desigualdad' means 'not being the same'. It is a feminine word, so we say 'la desigualdad'. You might see it in simple math or when talking about things that look different. Focus on the spelling: d-e-s-i-g-u-a-l-d-a-d. It's a long word, but if you break it down into 'des' + 'igual' + 'dad', it becomes much easier to remember. You can use it to describe physical things that are uneven, like a table that wobbles because the legs are different lengths. This is the simplest way to start using the word before moving into more abstract topics like money or rights.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'desigualdad' to talk about basic social differences. You might talk about 'la desigualdad de dinero' (inequality of money) or 'la desigualdad entre países' (inequality between countries). You are now learning to connect sentences with prepositions, so practice saying things like 'La desigualdad es un problema' (Inequality is a problem). You should also notice that this word is a noun. The adjective is 'desigual'. So you can say 'El mundo es desigual' (The world is unequal) or 'Hay mucha desigualdad en el mundo' (There is much inequality in the world). This is also a good time to learn that it is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una'. In your A2 writing, you might use it to describe why some people have more things than others. It is a very useful word for basic discussions about fairness. You will also start to see it in news headlines or simple articles about society. Try to identify it when you read and notice how it is often followed by the word 'de' to explain what kind of inequality is being discussed.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'desigualdad' in more specific contexts, especially regarding social justice and economics. You will likely use phrases like 'desigualdad de género' (gender inequality) or 'desigualdad de oportunidades' (inequality of opportunity). At this level, you can start using more complex verbs with it, such as 'reducir la desigualdad' (to reduce inequality) or 'luchar contra la desigualdad' (to fight against inequality). You should also be aware of the plural form, 'desigualdades', and use it when referring to multiple types of disparities. For example, 'Las desigualdades en la educación afectan el futuro de los niños' (Inequalities in education affect the future of children). You are moving beyond simple physical differences and into the realm of abstract concepts. You might also encounter the word in historical contexts, such as the inequality that led to revolutions or social changes. Practice using 'desigualdad' with adjectives like 'social', 'económica', or 'creciente' (growing). This will help your Spanish sound more sophisticated and allow you to participate in more meaningful conversations about the world around you.
At the B2 level, 'desigualdad' becomes a key term for academic and professional discussions. You should be able to discuss 'desigualdad estructural' (structural inequality) and 'desigualdad sistémica' (systemic inequality). You will use it in debates about public policy, globalization, and human rights. You should be familiar with collocations like 'la brecha de desigualdad' (the inequality gap) and 'paliar la desigualdad' (to alleviate inequality). At this stage, you should be able to differentiate between 'desigualdad' and related terms like 'injusticia' or 'disparidad'. You might use it in an essay to argue for social reforms. For example, 'Para alcanzar un desarrollo sostenible, es imperativo abordar la desigualdad de ingresos' (To achieve sustainable development, it is imperative to address income inequality). You should also be able to understand the word when used in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or relative clauses. For instance, 'La desigualdad que se observa en las grandes ciudades es el resultado de décadas de negligencia' (The inequality observed in large cities is the result of decades of neglect). Your usage should be precise and context-aware.
At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'desigualdad' with nuance and precision in high-level academic or literary contexts. You might explore the philosophical implications of 'desigualdad' in the works of Spanish or Latin American thinkers. You should be able to discuss the Gini coefficient or other economic metrics using this term. You will use it to describe subtle disparities in power dynamics, discourse, or cultural representation. Phrases like 'la desigualdad inherente al sistema' (the inequality inherent in the system) or 'la perpetuación de la desigualdad' (the perpetuation of inequality) should be part of your active vocabulary. You can use the word to analyze complex social phenomena, such as intersectionality. For example, you might discuss how 'la desigualdad de género se entrelaza con la desigualdad de clase' (gender inequality intertwines with class inequality). Your ability to use 'desigualdad' should allow you to navigate the most sophisticated levels of Spanish-language media and literature. You should also be able to use it metaphorically in creative writing to describe emotional or spiritual imbalances.
At the C2 level, 'desigualdad' is a word you can manipulate with complete mastery, understanding all its historical, sociological, and linguistic connotations. You can use it in high-level policy papers, legal arguments, or doctoral-level research. You should be able to discuss 'la desigualdad' as a core concept in the history of the Hispanic world, from the colonial 'casta' system to modern neoliberalism. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about whether 'desigualdad' is an inevitable part of the human condition or a construct that can be completely eradicated. You will use the word with a wide range of sophisticated modifiers and in complex rhetorical structures. For example, 'La dialéctica entre igualdad formal y desigualdad material constituye el núcleo del constitucionalismo moderno' (The dialectic between formal equality and material inequality constitutes the core of modern constitutionalism). Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and contextual, allowing you to recognize how it is used to shape public opinion and political identity across different Spanish-speaking regions. You can use it to critique ideologies or to propose radical new ways of organizing society.

desigualdad 30초 만에

  • Desigualdad means 'inequality' and refers to a lack of balance or fairness in social, economic, or physical contexts.
  • It is a feminine noun (la desigualdad) and follows the common '-dad' ending pattern for abstract feminine concepts.
  • The word is frequently used in news, politics, and sociology to discuss gaps in wealth, rights, or opportunities.
  • Commonly paired with adjectives like 'social', 'económica', and 'de género' to specify the type of disparity being discussed.

The Spanish word desigualdad is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'inequality' or 'disparity' in English. At its core, it describes a lack of equilibrium, balance, or evenness between two or more things. While it can refer to physical surfaces or mathematical values, its most common and impactful usage in modern Spanish pertains to social, economic, and legal contexts. To understand this word, one must look at its morphology: the prefix des- (indicating negation or reversal) joined with igualdad (equality). Therefore, it literally means 'the state of not being equal.'

Economic Context
In economics, this word is used to describe the gap between the wealthy and the poor. You will frequently hear terms like 'desigualdad de ingresos' (income inequality) in news reports regarding Latin American economies or global financial trends. It suggests a systemic issue where resources are not distributed fairly across a population.
Social and Legal Context
Socially, it refers to the 'desigualdad de oportunidades' (inequality of opportunity). This involves barriers based on gender, race, or social class that prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. In legal terms, it refers to a lack of 'igualdad ante la ley' (equality before the law), where certain groups might receive preferential or prejudicial treatment.

La desigualdad social ha crecido significativamente en la última década debido a la falta de acceso a la educación de calidad.

Translation: Social inequality has grown significantly in the last decade due to the lack of access to quality education.

Beyond these heavy topics, desigualdad can also be used in more literal, physical senses. If you are describing a terrain that is rocky and uneven, you might speak of the 'desigualdad del terreno.' In mathematics, it refers to the relation between two expressions that are not equal, often represented by symbols like < (less than) or > (greater than). However, for a Spanish learner, the socio-political nuance is the most vital to master, as it is a central theme in Hispanic literature, news, and daily conversation.

El coeficiente de Gini es una medida utilizada para calcular la desigualdad económica en un país.

When using this word, remember it is a feminine noun (la desigualdad). It often pairs with verbs like combatir (to fight), reducir (to reduce), or fomentar (to encourage/promote - though usually used negatively in this context). Understanding the gravity of this word will help you navigate complex discussions about society in Spanish.

Common Collocations
'Brecha de desigualdad' (inequality gap) and 'Desigualdad de género' (gender inequality) are two of the most frequent phrases you will encounter in academic and journalistic Spanish.

Es fundamental erradicar la desigualdad de género en el ámbito laboral para lograr un progreso real.

Using desigualdad correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and the typical prepositions that follow it. Most commonly, you will see it followed by the preposition de (of) to specify the type of inequality, or entre (between) to specify the groups being compared.

Structure: Desigualdad + de + [Noun]
This is the most standard way to define the category. Examples: 'desigualdad de salarios' (wage inequality), 'desigualdad de condiciones' (inequality of conditions). It acts as a compound concept.
Structure: Desigualdad + entre + [Groups]
Used when highlighting the disparity between specific entities. Example: 'la desigualdad entre ricos y pobres' (the inequality between rich and poor) or 'la desigualdad entre las zonas rurales y urbanas' (the inequality between rural and urban areas).

Existe una notable desigualdad entre los recursos educativos de los diferentes barrios.

Translation: There is a notable inequality between the educational resources of the different neighborhoods.

In terms of verb agreement, desigualdad is the subject of the sentence and dictates the conjugation of the verb. Since it is singular, verbs will follow the third-person singular form. For example: 'La desigualdad crece' (Inequality grows) or 'La desigualdad es inaceptable' (Inequality is unacceptable).

Debemos analizar las causas de esta desigualdad tan profunda.

You can also use the word in the plural form, desigualdades, when referring to multiple specific instances or types of disparity. For example: 'Las desigualdades sociales son difíciles de resolver' (Social inequalities are difficult to resolve). This is common in academic writing where various factors (income, education, health) are being discussed as separate but related issues.

Describing Degree
To describe the extent of the inequality, use adjectives like 'abismal' (abysmal/huge), 'creciente' (growing), 'persistente' (persistent), or 'estructural' (structural). Example: 'La desigualdad estructural impide el desarrollo económico.'

A pesar de las nuevas leyes, la desigualdad persistente sigue afectando a las minorías.

Finally, in a mathematical context, you might say 'una desigualdad matemática' to refer to an inequality statement. While less common in casual conversation, it is essential for students of science or economics. In these cases, the word is used very precisely to denote that two quantities are not the same.

En álgebra, aprendimos a resolver una desigualdad lineal con una variable.

You will encounter desigualdad in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from formal political debates to the lyrics of socially conscious music. It is a word that carries significant weight and is rarely used lightly.

News and Media
Turn on any Spanish-language news channel (like RTVE, CNN en Español, or Univision) and you will likely hear this word within the first thirty minutes. It is the go-to term for journalists discussing economic crises, election platforms, or social protests. Headlines like 'La desigualdad en América Latina se agrava' (Inequality in Latin America worsens) are common.
Documentaries and Podcasts
Educational content creators use 'desigualdad' to frame historical and sociological discussions. In podcasts about history or current affairs, it serves as a central theme to explain why certain regions developed differently or why specific social movements arose.

El documental explora la desigualdad histórica que ha dividido a la nación por siglos.

Translation: The documentary explores the historical inequality that has divided the nation for centuries.

In everyday conversation, while people might use simpler terms like 'injusticia' (injustice) or 'diferencia' (difference), desigualdad is used when someone wants to sound more precise or when discussing systemic issues rather than individual slights. For instance, a university student might say, 'Me preocupa la desigualdad de acceso a la tecnología' (I'm worried about the inequality of access to technology).

Muchos artistas usan su música para denunciar la desigualdad que ven en las calles.

Academic environments are perhaps where the word is most saturated. In sociology, political science, and economics classes at Spanish-speaking universities, 'desigualdad' is a foundational concept. Students analyze 'la desigualdad de género' (gender inequality), 'la desigualdad racial' (racial inequality), and 'la desigualdad digital' (the digital divide).

Public Policy and NGO Work
If you work for an international organization like the UN or an NGO in a Spanish-speaking country, you will spend much of your time writing reports about how to 'paliar la desigualdad' (alleviate inequality). It is a key term in grant writing and policy proposals.

La ONG lanzó una campaña para visibilizar la desigualdad en el acceso al agua potable.

In summary, whether you are listening to a presidential speech, reading a sociological textbook, or following a protest on social media, 'desigualdad' is the essential term for describing the lack of fairness and balance in the world.

En el discurso, el presidente prometió luchar contra la desigualdad extrema.

While desigualdad is a cognate (looking similar to 'inequality'), learners often stumble on gender agreement, spelling, and nuances of meaning. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound more natural and professional.

Gender Agreement Errors
A very common mistake is treating 'desigualdad' as masculine because it doesn't end in '-a'. Remember: nouns ending in -dad, -tad, -ción, and -sión are almost always feminine. Saying 'el desigualdad' is a major error; it must always be la desigualdad.
Confusion with 'Diferencia'
Learners sometimes use 'desigualdad' when they simply mean 'difference' (diferencia). 'Diferencia' is neutral; two things can be different without being unequal in value or status. 'Desigualdad' implies a lack of fairness or a hierarchical gap. For example, the difference between an apple and an orange is a 'diferencia', but the difference between two people's pay for the same job is a 'desigualdad'.

Incorrecto: El desigualdad de los salarios es un problema.

Correcto: La desigualdad salarial es un problema.

Another mistake involves the spelling. In English, we have 'inequality' with an 'i'. In Spanish, it is 'desigualdad' with an 'e'. Learners often try to say 'inigualdad', which is incorrect. Always think of the base word igual (equal) and add the prefix des-.

Incorrecto: Hay mucha inigualdad en este país.

Correcto: Hay mucha desigualdad en este país.

In pluralization, don't forget the 'e' before the 's'. The plural of 'desigualdad' is desigualdades, not 'desigualdads'. This follows the standard rule for Spanish words ending in a consonant.

Preposition Pitfalls
Using the wrong preposition after the word can change the meaning or make the sentence clunky. Avoid using 'a' or 'con' when 'de' or 'entre' is required. For example, say 'desigualdad de género', not 'desigualdad a género'.

La desigualdad entre las clases sociales es evidente en la arquitectura de la ciudad.

Finally, be careful with 'desigual' (the adjective). While 'desigualdad' is the noun, 'desigual' is the adjective. You cannot say 'una situación de desigual'; you must say 'una situación de desigualdad' or 'una situación desigual'. Confusing the noun and adjective forms is a common intermediate-level error.

Vivimos en una sociedad muy desigual.

To truly master desigualdad, you should know the words that surround it in the same semantic field. Depending on the context, you might want a word that emphasizes unfairness, physical difference, or variety.

Injusticia (Injustice)
While 'desigualdad' is often the *state* of being unequal, 'injusticia' is the *moral judgment* of that state. If a law treats people differently, it is a 'desigualdad' (a fact) and also an 'injusticia' (a moral wrong). Use 'injusticia' when you want to highlight the lack of ethics.
Disparidad (Disparity)
This is a very close synonym, often used in more technical or academic contexts. It sounds slightly more formal than 'desigualdad'. You might hear about a 'disparidad de criterios' (disparity of criteria) in a professional setting.
Diferencia (Difference)
As mentioned before, this is the neutral version. Use this for physical traits or preferences. 'La diferencia entre el rojo y el azul' is not a 'desigualdad'.

Hay una gran disparidad entre los resultados de las dos pruebas.

Translation: There is a great disparity between the results of the two tests.

For physical surfaces, you might use irregularidad. If you are talking about a road with bumps, 'desigualdad' works, but 'irregularidad' is more specific to the physical texture. In a more figurative sense, desequilibrio (imbalance) is a great alternative when you want to describe a system that is leaning too far in one direction.

Buscamos la equidad, no solo la igualdad numérica.

In legal contexts, you might hear discriminación. While 'desigualdad' describes the situation, 'discriminación' describes the *action* or the *mechanism* that causes the inequality. If someone is paid less because of their gender, that is 'discriminación de género' which results in 'desigualdad salarial'.

Brecha (Gap)
This is a very common metaphorical word used alongside 'desigualdad'. 'La brecha' is the physical or figurative gap. 'Cerrar la brecha de la desigualdad' (To close the inequality gap) is a common goal in social policy.

Es necesario cerrar la brecha digital para que todos tengan las mismas oportunidades.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The suffix '-dad' in Spanish is the equivalent of '-ty' in English (equality/igualdad, city/ciudad). This makes many abstract Spanish nouns easy for English speakers to recognize.

발음 가이드

UK /des.i.ɣwal.ˈðað/
US /des.i.ɣwal.ˈðað/
The primary stress is on the final syllable: des-i-gual-DAD.
라임이 맞는 단어
libertad ciudad verdad bondad amistad sociedad realidad unidad
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the final 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
  • Stress on the 'gual' syllable instead of the 'dad' syllable.
  • Forgetting the 'i' sound in the second syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'gua' as 'ga'.
  • Confusing the 'e' in 'des' with an 'i' as in English 'inequality'.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like 'inequality' and 'equal'.

쓰기 4/5

Long word; requires correct spelling of the '-dad' suffix and 'des-' prefix.

말하기 4/5

Requires correct stress on the final syllable and soft 'd' sounds.

듣기 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be lost in fast speech due to the soft 'd'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

igual igualdad diferente mismo justo

다음에 배울 것

equidad justicia pobreza riqueza derechos

고급

interseccionalidad hegemonía estratificación perpetuación vulnerabilidad

알아야 할 문법

Nouns ending in -dad are feminine.

La felicidad, la verdad, la desigualdad.

The prefix 'des-' negates the root word.

Hacer -> Deshacer; Igualdad -> Desigualdad.

Pluralizing words ending in 'd' requires adding '-es'.

Desigualdad -> Desigualdades.

Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.

La desigualdad profunda (not profundo).

Preposition 'entre' is used for comparisons between two or more groups.

Desigualdad entre hermanos.

수준별 예문

1

Hay una desigualdad en el tamaño de las cajas.

There is an inequality in the size of the boxes.

'La desigualdad' is a feminine noun.

2

La desigualdad es el opuesto de la igualdad.

Inequality is the opposite of equality.

Prefix 'des-' means 'not'.

3

No me gusta la desigualdad.

I do not like inequality.

Direct object with 'la'.

4

Vemos una desigualdad en los colores.

We see an inequality in the colors.

Using 'ver' (to see) with the noun.

5

La desigualdad de las piezas es clara.

The inequality of the pieces is clear.

Possessive 'de' links the noun to its subject.

6

Es una desigualdad pequeña.

It is a small inequality.

Adjective 'pequeña' matches the feminine noun.

7

Ellos hablan de la desigualdad.

They talk about inequality.

Preposition 'de' after 'hablar'.

8

La desigualdad no es buena.

Inequality is not good.

Negative sentence with 'no'.

1

La desigualdad de ingresos es un problema real.

Income inequality is a real problem.

Compound noun phrase 'desigualdad de ingresos'.

2

Hay mucha desigualdad en este país.

There is a lot of inequality in this country.

Use of 'mucha' (feminine) to modify the noun.

3

Queremos reducir la desigualdad entre los grupos.

We want to reduce the inequality between the groups.

Preposition 'entre' shows comparison.

4

La desigualdad social afecta a muchas familias.

Social inequality affects many families.

Adjective 'social' modifies the noun.

5

Estudiamos la desigualdad en la escuela.

We study inequality in school.

Verb 'estudiar' in present tense.

6

La desigualdad de género existe en el trabajo.

Gender inequality exists at work.

'Género' specifies the type of inequality.

7

Es difícil vivir con tanta desigualdad.

It is difficult to live with so much inequality.

'Tanta' is an intensifier for feminine nouns.

8

La desigualdad del terreno dificulta el camino.

The unevenness of the terrain makes the path difficult.

Literal physical usage.

1

El gobierno busca combatir la desigualdad económica.

The government seeks to fight economic inequality.

Verb 'combatir' is a common collocation.

2

La desigualdad de oportunidades es injusta para los jóvenes.

Inequality of opportunity is unfair for young people.

Abstract concept 'oportunidades'.

3

Debemos analizar las causas de la desigualdad actual.

We must analyze the causes of current inequality.

'Causas de' is a common lead-in.

4

Las desigualdades sociales se ven en la educación.

Social inequalities are seen in education.

Plural form 'desigualdades'.

5

La desigualdad salarial sigue siendo un tema de debate.

Wage inequality continues to be a topic of debate.

Adjective 'salarial' relates to wages.

6

Muchos libros tratan sobre la desigualdad en el mundo.

Many books deal with inequality in the world.

'Tratar sobre' means 'to be about'.

7

La desigualdad entre regiones es muy marcada.

The inequality between regions is very marked.

'Marcada' means 'pronounced'.

8

La falta de recursos aumenta la desigualdad.

The lack of resources increases inequality.

Verb 'aumentar' shows the trend.

1

La desigualdad estructural requiere soluciones a largo plazo.

Structural inequality requires long-term solutions.

'Estructural' implies it is built into the system.

2

Es necesario cerrar la brecha de desigualdad digital.

It is necessary to close the digital inequality gap.

'Brecha' is a common metaphor for 'gap'.

3

El informe destaca la creciente desigualdad en la región.

The report highlights the growing inequality in the region.

Present participle 'creciente' used as an adjective.

4

La desigualdad se manifiesta de diversas formas en la sociedad.

Inequality manifests itself in various ways in society.

Reflexive verb 'manifestarse'.

5

Los impuestos progresivos pueden ayudar a mitigar la desigualdad.

Progressive taxes can help mitigate inequality.

Verb 'mitigar' is a formal synonym for 'reducir'.

6

La desigualdad ante la ley es una violación de los derechos humanos.

Inequality before the law is a violation of human rights.

Legal phrase 'ante la ley'.

7

Abordar la desigualdad es clave para la estabilidad política.

Addressing inequality is key to political stability.

Infinitive 'abordar' acts as a noun.

8

La desigualdad de trato en el hospital fue denunciada.

The inequality of treatment in the hospital was reported.

Passive voice 'fue denunciada'.

1

La desigualdad intrínseca del sistema capitalista es objeto de estudio.

The intrinsic inequality of the capitalist system is an object of study.

'Intrínseca' means 'inherent'.

2

Se analizó la desigualdad desde una perspectiva interseccional.

Inequality was analyzed from an intersectional perspective.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

3

La desigualdad de poder socava los cimientos de la democracia.

The inequality of power undermines the foundations of democracy.

Strong verb 'socavar' (to undermine).

4

La perpetuación de la desigualdad es un fenómeno complejo.

The perpetuation of inequality is a complex phenomenon.

Noun 'perpetuación' indicates a lasting state.

5

Existen disparidades que alimentan la desigualdad social crónica.

There are disparities that feed chronic social inequality.

Adjective 'crónica' implies long-lasting.

6

La desigualdad en la distribución de la riqueza es alarmante.

The inequality in the distribution of wealth is alarming.

'Distribución de la riqueza' is a technical term.

7

La literatura del siglo XIX a menudo retrata la desigualdad de clase.

19th-century literature often portrays class inequality.

Verb 'retratar' (to portray).

8

La desigualdad no es solo económica, sino también simbólica.

Inequality is not only economic, but also symbolic.

'No solo... sino también' structure.

1

La desigualdad se ha erigido como el principal escollo para la cohesión social.

Inequality has established itself as the main hurdle for social cohesion.

Sophisticated verb 'erigirse' (to establish oneself).

2

Es imperativo deconstruir los mecanismos que subyacen a la desigualdad de género.

It is imperative to deconstruct the mechanisms that underlie gender inequality.

Verbs 'deconstruir' and 'subyacer'.

3

La dialéctica de la desigualdad permea todas las esferas de la vida pública.

The dialectic of inequality permeates all spheres of public life.

Abstract noun 'dialéctica' and verb 'permear'.

4

La desigualdad material a menudo contradice la igualdad formal consagrada en la constitución.

Material inequality often contradicts the formal equality enshrined in the constitution.

'Consagrada' means 'enshrined' or 'hallowed'.

5

Se requiere una visión holística para erradicar la desigualdad sistémica.

A holistic vision is required to eradicate systemic inequality.

Adjective 'holística' (holistic).

6

La desigualdad se exacerba en tiempos de crisis financiera global.

Inequality is exacerbated in times of global financial crisis.

Verb 'exacerbarse' (to become worse).

7

El filósofo cuestionó la inevitabilidad de la desigualdad en el contrato social.

The philosopher questioned the inevitability of inequality in the social contract.

Noun 'inevitabilidad'.

8

La brecha de desigualdad se ha tornado en un abismo infranqueable.

The inequality gap has turned into an impassable abyss.

Metaphorical use of 'abismo' and 'infranqueable'.

자주 쓰는 조합

desigualdad social
desigualdad de género
desigualdad económica
brecha de desigualdad
reducir la desigualdad
combatir la desigualdad
desigualdad de oportunidades
desigualdad salarial
desigualdad estructural
creciente desigualdad

자주 쓰는 구문

Luchar contra la desigualdad

— To take action to stop unfair differences in society.

La comunidad se unió para luchar contra la desigualdad.

En condiciones de desigualdad

— In a situation where things are not fair or equal.

Competir en condiciones de desigualdad no es justo.

Erradicar la desigualdad

— To completely eliminate inequality.

Es un sueño erradicar la desigualdad del mundo.

La raíz de la desigualdad

— The fundamental cause of an unequal situation.

Debemos encontrar la raíz de la desigualdad escolar.

Promover la desigualdad

— To act in a way that makes things less equal (usually used critically).

Esas leyes solo sirven para promover la desigualdad.

Víctima de la desigualdad

— A person who suffers because of systemic unfairness.

Él fue una víctima de la desigualdad de su época.

Desigualdad ante la ley

— When laws are applied differently to different people.

La desigualdad ante la ley destruye la confianza.

Niveles de desigualdad

— The measurement or extent of disparity.

Los niveles de desigualdad son muy altos aquí.

A pesar de la desigualdad

— Even though inequality exists.

A pesar de la desigualdad, ella logró su meta.

Fomentar la desigualdad

— To encourage or lead to more inequality.

La falta de inversión fomenta la desigualdad.

자주 혼동되는 단어

desigualdad vs diferencia

Diferencia is neutral; desigualdad implies a lack of fairness or balance.

desigualdad vs injusticia

Injusticia is the moral judgment; desigualdad is the state or condition.

desigualdad vs equidad

Equidad is the solution/goal; desigualdad is the problem.

관용어 및 표현

"No hay color"

— Used when the difference (inequality) between two things is so huge that they can't even be compared.

Entre su talento y el mío, no hay color.

informal
"Medir con distinta vara"

— To judge using different standards (creating inequality).

El jefe nos mide con distinta vara.

neutral
"Hacer de menos"

— To treat someone as inferior, reinforcing social inequality.

No me hagas de menos solo por mi origen.

informal
"Estar en desventaja"

— To be in a position of inequality or weakness compared to others.

Sin internet, los alumnos están en desventaja.

neutral
"Poner trabas"

— To put obstacles in someone's way, often contributing to inequality of opportunity.

El sistema pone trabas a los inmigrantes.

informal
"Cortados por el mismo patrón"

— The opposite of inequality; all made from the same mold.

Todos los políticos parecen cortados por el mismo patrón.

informal
"Nivelar el campo de juego"

— To reduce inequality so everyone has the same chance.

Necesitamos nivelar el campo de juego educativo.

neutral
"Ser harina de otro costal"

— To be a completely different (and often unequal) matter.

Eso es harina de otro costal, no tiene nada que ver.

informal
"Dar gato por liebre"

— To deceive by giving something of lower (unequal) value.

Me dieron gato por liebre con este coche.

informal
"Estar a años luz"

— To be extremely far apart in terms of quality or status.

Su tecnología está a años luz de la nuestra.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

desigualdad vs desigual

Noun vs Adjective confusion.

Desigualdad is the noun (the thing); desigual is the adjective (the quality).

La desigualdad (noun) es grande. El terreno es desigual (adjective).

desigualdad vs desigualar

Noun vs Verb confusion.

Desigualdad is the concept; desigualar is the action of making things unequal.

No queremos desigualar (verb) las oportunidades.

desigualdad vs disparidad

Synonyms with slight nuance.

Disparidad is often used for data or criteria; desigualdad for social conditions.

Hay una disparidad en las cifras.

desigualdad vs diversidad

Both involve differences.

Diversidad is positive (variety); desigualdad is negative (unfairness).

Celebramos la diversidad, pero combatimos la desigualdad.

desigualdad vs variedad

Both involve differences.

Variedad is neutral/positive; desigualdad implies a gap in value.

Hay una gran variedad de frutas.

문장 패턴

A1

La desigualdad es [adjective].

La desigualdad es mala.

A2

Hay desigualdad en [place/thing].

Hay desigualdad en el mundo.

B1

Debemos [verb] la desigualdad de [noun].

Debemos reducir la desigualdad de salarios.

B2

La desigualdad entre [A] y [B] es [adjective].

La desigualdad entre ricos y pobres es preocupante.

C1

[Noun] es una consecuencia de la desigualdad [adjective].

La violencia es una consecuencia de la desigualdad estructural.

C1

A pesar de la [adjective] desigualdad...

A pesar de la creciente desigualdad, el país progresa.

C2

La desigualdad se manifiesta a través de...

La desigualdad se manifiesta a través del acceso dispar a la justicia.

C2

Resulta imperativo abordar la raíz de la desigualdad...

Resulta imperativo abordar la raíz de la desigualdad sistémica para lograr la paz.

어휘 가족

명사

igualdad (equality)
desigualdad (inequality)
igualitarismo (egalitarianism)

동사

igualar (to equalize)
desigualar (to make unequal)

형용사

igual (equal)
desigual (unequal)
igualitario (egalitarian)

관련

equidad (equity)
paridad (parity)
disparidad (disparity)
injusticia (injustice)
diferencia (difference)

사용법

frequency

Very high in academic, journalistic, and political contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • El desigualdad La desigualdad

    Nouns ending in -dad are feminine. Using the masculine article is a common error for beginners.

  • Inigualdad Desigualdad

    Learners often translate 'inequality' literally. Spanish uses the 'des-' prefix for this word.

  • Desigualdad de el hombre Desigualdad del hombre

    Remember to contract 'de + el' into 'del'.

  • Muchos desigualdades Muchas desigualdades

    Adjectives and quantifiers must match the feminine gender of the noun.

  • La diferencia de género La desigualdad de género

    While 'diferencia' is okay, 'desigualdad' is the standard term for social disparity.

Remember the Gender

Always associate '-dad' words with 'la'. This will save you from many agreement mistakes in the future.

Cognate Power

Use your knowledge of 'inequality' to remember the meaning, but watch the spelling! It starts with 'de-', not 'in-'.

Soft Final D

Don't pop the final 'd' like in 'dad'. Let it be a soft breath, almost silent, or like a very soft 'th'.

Social Context

When you use this word, you are often entering a political or social conversation. Use it to show you understand complex issues.

Academic Tone

Using 'desigualdad' in your essays makes your Spanish sound more formal and educated than just using 'cosas malas' or 'problemas'.

News Keywords

This is a 'keyword' for news. If you hear it, you know the topic is likely economy, politics, or social justice.

The Prefix Rule

Learn 'des-' as a prefix meaning 'un-' or 'in-'. This will help you unlock hundreds of other Spanish words.

Empathy Word

This word is often used to express empathy for those who are struggling. It's a key word for connecting with social causes.

Math Connection

If you see < or > in a Spanish math book, it's called 'una desigualdad'. It helps to see the word in different fields.

No 'i' at the start

Avoid the temptation to write 'inegualdad'. Think of 'des-igual' as 'not equal'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'DES' as 'Destroy' and 'IGUALDAD' as 'Equality'. Inequality is what happens when you destroy equality.

시각적 연상

Imagine a seesaw with a giant gold bar on one side and a single feather on the other. That imbalance is 'desigualdad'.

Word Web

Pobreza Riqueza Justicia Sociedad Género Salario Oportunidad Brecha

챌린지

Try to find three news headlines today that mention 'desigualdad'. Write them down and identify if they are talking about money, gender, or something else.

어원

From the Latin 'aequalitas', preceded by the negative prefix 'dis-' (which became 'des-' in Spanish). It shares roots with the Latin 'aequus', meaning level or even.

원래 의미: The state of not being level or even.

Romance (Latin-derived)

문화적 맥락

Be aware that discussing 'desigualdad' can be a sensitive political topic depending on the company you are in.

English speakers often use 'inequality' in similar contexts, but Spanish speakers might use 'desigualdad' more frequently in casual political conversation.

The Gini Coefficient (often discussed in Spanish as 'el coeficiente de Gini'). Songs by 'Calle 13' that critique social disparity. The writings of Eduardo Galeano in 'Open Veins of Latin America'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Economics

  • Distribución de la riqueza
  • Ingresos per cápita
  • Brecha salarial
  • Clase media

Education

  • Acceso a la educación
  • Recursos escolares
  • Tasa de alfabetización
  • Becas de estudio

Politics

  • Políticas públicas
  • Justicia social
  • Derechos civiles
  • Reformas legales

Geography

  • Desigualdad regional
  • Zonas rurales
  • Desarrollo urbano
  • Infraestructura

Gender Studies

  • Roles de género
  • Techo de cristal
  • Violencia sistémica
  • Empoderamiento

대화 시작하기

"¿Crees que la desigualdad es el mayor problema de nuestro siglo?"

"¿Cómo podemos reducir la desigualdad de género en el trabajo?"

"¿Has notado mucha desigualdad en las ciudades que has visitado?"

"¿Qué papel juega la educación en la lucha contra la desigualdad?"

"¿Es posible un mundo sin ninguna desigualdad económica?"

일기 주제

Describe una situación en la que viste una clara desigualdad y cómo te sentiste.

Escribe sobre cómo la tecnología puede aumentar o disminuir la desigualdad social.

¿Qué acciones pequeñas puede tomar una persona para combatir la desigualdad?

Analiza la relación entre la desigualdad y la felicidad en una sociedad.

Imagina una sociedad perfectamente igualitaria. ¿Cómo sería el día a día?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is feminine. All nouns ending in '-dad' are feminine in Spanish. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it. For example, 'la desigualdad social'.

'Diferencia' is a neutral word meaning any kind of distinction. 'Desigualdad' specifically refers to a lack of equality, often implying that the difference is unfair or related to status and power.

You say 'desigualdad de género'. It is one of the most common phrases used in social and political discussions today.

Yes, it can. You can use it to describe a bumpy road or uneven ground, as in 'la desigualdad del terreno'. However, 'irregularidad' is also very common for this.

The direct opposite is 'igualdad'. Another related positive term is 'equidad', which means fairness or equity.

It is called 'el coeficiente de Gini' and it is used to measure 'la desigualdad económica' in a country.

Yes, it is extremely common, especially in news, documentaries, and academic settings. It is a key word for understanding social issues in Spanish-speaking countries.

The plural is 'desigualdades'. You add '-es' because the word ends in a consonant ('d').

No, 'inigualdad' is not a word in Spanish. English speakers often make this mistake because of the word 'inequality'. Always use 'desigualdad'.

Common verbs include 'combatir' (to fight), 'reducir' (to reduce), 'aumentar' (to increase), and 'denunciar' (to report/denounce).

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'desigualdad' and 'social'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'We must reduce gender inequality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain in Spanish why inequality is bad.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a 'desigualdad' you see in your city.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short paragraph about 'desigualdad de oportunidades'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'There is a gap of inequality in education.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with the plural 'desigualdades'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The inequality between the two teams was clear.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the word 'desigualdad' in a question.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Structural inequality is hard to change.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'desigualdad' and 'salarios'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The inequality of the terrain made the hike difficult.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about 'desigualdad digital'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence about 'desigualdad económica'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Inequality is the opposite of equality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'combatir' and 'desigualdad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The documentary is about social inequality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'mucha' and 'desigualdad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'We need more equity and less inequality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about 'desigualdad ante la ley'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce the word: 'des-i-gual-dad'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad es un problema.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Debemos reducir la desigualdad.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Hay mucha desigualdad de género.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad económica es alta.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Luchamos contra la desigualdad social.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La brecha de desigualdad crece.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Las desigualdades son injustas.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad ante la ley.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Combatir la desigualdad es vital.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Desigualdad de oportunidades.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad del terreno.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Reducir la desigualdad salarial.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad estructural.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'No me gusta la desigualdad.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: '¿Cómo acabar con la desigualdad?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad es injusta.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Hay desigualdad en la escuela.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La desigualdad de la riqueza.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Erradicar la desigualdad.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the word you hear: 'desigualdad'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the word you hear: 'desigualdades'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'La desigualdad es alta.' What is high?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Combatimos la desigualdad.' What are we doing?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the type of inequality: 'desigualdad de género'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the type of inequality: 'desigualdad económica'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the type of inequality: 'desigualdad salarial'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'La brecha de desigualdad.' What is 'brecha'?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Reducir la desigualdad social.' What is the goal?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Desigualdad ante la ley.' Where is the inequality?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'La desigualdad estructural.' What kind of inequality is it?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Hay mucha desigualdad aquí.' Is there a little or a lot?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Las desigualdades educativas.' Where are the inequalities?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Cerrar la brecha.' What are they doing to the gap?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'La desigualdad del terreno.' What is uneven?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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