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imparcialmente

B1 adverb #9,000 most common 10 min read

imparcialmente

Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips imparcialmente in 30 Seconds

Explanation imparcialmente in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'imparcialmente' is quite an advanced word. You don't need to use it yet, but you can understand it as a very formal way of saying 'fairly' or 'the same for everyone'. Think of it as 'no favorites'. If a teacher gives everyone 5 minutes for a break, they are acting 'imparcialmente'. At this stage, you should focus on simpler words like 'igual' (equal) or 'bien' (well), but knowing that '-mente' at the end of a word usually means '-ly' in English will help you recognize it. It is a word used by adults, teachers, and people in charge to show they are being good and fair.

By A2, you are starting to learn more adverbs. You know 'rápidamente' (quickly) and 'lentamente' (slowly). 'Imparcialmente' follows the same rule: you take the adjective 'imparcial' and add '-mente'. It means doing something without picking a side. For example, if you have two children and you give them both the same amount of chocolate, you are acting 'imparcialmente'. You might see this word in simple news stories or hear it in a classroom. It's a 'big word' that makes you sound very smart if you use it correctly to describe how someone is acting fairly.

At the B1 level, 'imparcialmente' becomes a very useful tool for your vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss opinions, news, and social issues. This word allows you to describe how a judge, a referee, or a reporter should behave. You should understand that it is used with verbs like 'juzgar' (to judge), 'decidir' (to decide), and 'actuar' (to act). It is important to distinguish it from 'neutralmente'. While 'neutral' means staying in the middle and maybe not doing anything, 'imparcialmente' means you are making a decision, but you are doing it based on rules and facts, not because you like one person more than another. You can start using it in your writing and speaking to sound more professional.

At B2, you should use 'imparcialmente' with confidence in formal contexts. You understand its nuances and can use it to debate complex topics like politics, law, or ethics. You know that it is often better to use 'de forma imparcial' or 'con imparcialidad' to vary your language. You are also aware of its antonym, 'parcialmente', and how it can mean 'with bias' in certain contexts. You can recognize the word in editorial pieces, legal documents, and formal speeches. You should also be comfortable with the double stress of the word (im-par-CIAL-MEN-te) when speaking, ensuring you sound natural and authoritative.

For C1 learners, 'imparcialmente' is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You use it to provide precise descriptions of methodologies, ethical stances, and historical interpretations. You understand the philosophical implications of the word—how true impartiality is often an ideal to be strived for rather than a simple state of being. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Es imperativo que la comisión proceda imparcialmente para salvaguardar la integridad del proceso'. You are also sensitive to the register of the word and can choose between it and its synonyms (objetivamente, equitativamente, desapasionadamente) based on the specific context of your communication.

At the C2 level, 'imparcialmente' is used with total mastery, often in the context of high-level legal, philosophical, or diplomatic discourse. You understand its place in the history of Spanish jurisprudence and literature. You can use it to discuss the 'apariencia de imparcialidad' (appearance of impartiality) and other complex legal concepts. You might use it in a critique of a literary work or a political theory, analyzing whether a narrator or a theorist truly manages to view their subject 'imparcialmente'. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can play with the word's placement and rhythm to achieve specific rhetorical effects in your speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

imparcialmente in 30 Seconds

Imparcialmente means 'impartially' or 'fairly'. It describes actions done without bias or favoritism.
It is an adverb of manner, typically following the verb it modifies in a sentence.
Commonly used in formal settings like law, journalism, sports, and professional evaluations.
Synonyms include 'justamente' and 'objetivamente', while the antonym is 'parcialmente'.

The word imparcialmente is a sophisticated Spanish adverb that translates to 'impartially' or 'fairly' in English. It is derived from the adjective imparcial, which itself stems from the Latin prefix in- (not) and partialis (from pars, meaning 'part'). To act imparcialmente is to act without taking sides, ensuring that judgment or treatment is based on objective criteria rather than personal bias, preference, or external pressure. This word is a cornerstone of professional, legal, and ethical discourse, but its utility extends into everyday situations where fairness is paramount.

Legal Context: In the courtroom, a judge must evaluate the evidence imparcialmente. This means the judge does not favor the prosecution or the defense, upholding the principle of 'blind justice'.
Journalistic Integrity: Journalists are often urged to report news imparcialmente, presenting multiple viewpoints of a story without letting their own political or social leanings color the narrative.
Sports and Competition: Referees and umpires are the most visible examples of people who must behave imparcialmente. Their job is to apply the rules of the game regardless of which team is playing or the stakes involved.

Es fundamental que el jurado escuche los testimonios imparcialmente para llegar a un veredicto justo.

Beyond these formal settings, the word is used in interpersonal conflicts. If two friends are arguing, they might ask a third friend to listen imparcialmente to resolve the dispute. It conveys a sense of maturity and intellectual honesty. Unlike 'neutralmente' (neutrally), which can sometimes imply a lack of action or indifference, imparcialmente implies an active process of evaluation where the actor remains fair despite the potential for bias. It is a word that commands respect, as it suggests the speaker or the subject is committed to the truth and equity above all else. In Spanish literature and academic writing, it is frequently employed to describe historical analyses or scientific reviews that aim to be free from ideological influence.

El comité evaluó todas las solicitudes imparcialmente, basándose solo en los méritos académicos.

In summary, imparcialmente is about the 'how' of an action—specifically, the manner in which judgment is passed or information is handled. It is a word that belongs in the vocabulary of anyone aspiring to B1 level or higher, as it allows for the expression of complex social and ethical concepts. Whether discussing politics, law, or personal ethics, knowing how to use imparcialmente correctly will significantly elevate your Spanish proficiency and allow you to participate in more nuanced conversations.

Using imparcialmente correctly requires an understanding of Spanish adverb placement and the syntactic roles adverbs play. As an adverb of manner, it typically follows the verb it modifies, providing detail on how the action is performed. Because it is a long word (six syllables), it often carries significant weight at the end of a sentence, making it excellent for emphasis.

Standard Placement: The most common position is immediately after the verb. For example: 'Él juzga imparcialmente' (He judges impartially). This is direct and clear.
With Direct Objects: If the verb has a short direct object, the adverb usually follows the object: 'Analizó los datos imparcialmente'. However, if the object is long, the adverb might move closer to the verb: 'Analizó imparcialmente todos los datos recopilados durante el año pasado'.
For Emphasis: Placing it at the very beginning of a sentence can provide dramatic emphasis, though this is more common in literary or oratorical styles: 'Imparcialmente, el mediador escuchó a ambas partes'.

Debemos actuar imparcialmente ante cualquier conflicto de intereses.

It is also important to note the relationship between the adverb imparcialmente and its adjective counterpart imparcial. While you might say 'El juez es imparcial' (The judge is impartial), you use the adverb to describe the judge's actions: 'El juez decidió imparcialmente'. In Spanish, adverbs ending in '-mente' are very flexible but can sound repetitive if used too often in a single paragraph. To avoid this, you can use prepositional phrases like 'de manera imparcial' or 'de forma imparcial', which are perfectly synonymous and often used to vary the rhythm of the language.

El sistema está diseñado para procesar las quejas imparcialmente.

When writing, consider the register. Imparcialmente is a high-register word. In casual conversation, people might say 'sin favoritismos' (without favorites) or 'por igual' (equally). However, in any context involving authority—such as a teacher grading exams, a boss conducting performance reviews, or a government official implementing policy—imparcialmente is the most appropriate and precise term to use. It signals that the speaker values objectivity and is following a standardized, fair process.

While imparcialmente might not be a word you hear every five minutes at a grocery store, it is ubiquitous in specific domains of Spanish-speaking life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it appears and understand the gravity it carries.

News and Media: On television news programs like 'Noticieros Televisa' or 'TVE Noticias', you will hear anchors and reporters use this word when discussing election results, international conflicts, or controversial government decisions. It is a standard for professional journalism.
Academic and Educational Settings: In universities across Spain and Latin America, professors use imparcialmente when discussing research methodologies or the grading process. A student might ask: '¿Será calificado mi examen imparcialmente?' (Will my exam be graded impartially?).
Legal and Political Speeches: Political candidates often promise to govern imparcialmente for all citizens, not just those who voted for them. Similarly, in legal dramas or real court proceedings, lawyers will emphasize that the law must be applied imparcialmente.

El presidente de la asamblea pidió a todos los miembros votar imparcialmente.

You will also encounter this word in written form more often than in spoken slang. It is a staple of 'términos y condiciones' (terms and conditions) documents, privacy policies, and corporate ethics handbooks. If you are reading a Spanish-language newspaper like 'El País' or 'La Nación', you'll find it in editorials and opinion pieces where the author is debating the fairness of a situation. In literature, authors use it to describe the cold, detached gaze of a narrator or the moral stance of a protagonist who refuses to be swayed by emotion.

La historia juzgará imparcialmente los hechos ocurridos durante la crisis.

Even in high-stakes sports commentary, such as a FIFA World Cup match narrated in Spanish, you might hear the commentators discussing whether a referee is officiating imparcialmente. If a referee seems to favor the home team, the commentator might say: 'Parece que el árbitro no está actuando imparcialmente hoy'. This word is the gold standard for describing the absence of bias in any competitive or evaluative environment.

Learning to use imparcialmente involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. Because the word is long and has a specific morphological structure, it is easy to make errors in spelling, pronunciation, or usage.

Confusing Adjective and Adverb: The most frequent mistake is using the adjective imparcial when the adverb imparcialmente is required. Remember: adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs. Wrong: 'Él decidió imparcial'. Correct: 'Él decidió imparcialmente'.
Spelling and Suffix Issues: Some learners try to pluralize the adverb or change its gender. Spanish adverbs are invariable. It is always imparcialmente, never 'imparcialmentes' or 'imparcialmenta'. Additionally, ensure you don't drop the 'l'—it is imparcial + mente.
False Synonyms: Neutralmente vs. Imparcialmente: While often used interchangeably, neutralmente often implies not getting involved at all, whereas imparcialmente implies being involved but remaining fair. Using neutralmente in a legal context where a decision must be made can sound slightly off.

Incorrecto: El profesor calificó los exámenes de forma imparcialmente.
Correcto: El profesor calificó los exámenes imparcialmente (o 'de forma imparcial').

Another subtle mistake is the misplacement of the word in a sentence. While Spanish word order is flexible, putting imparcialmente too far from the verb it modifies can lead to ambiguity. For instance, in 'Él dijo que iba a juzgar al hombre imparcialmente', it is clear that the judging is impartial. But in 'Imparcialmente, él dijo que iba a juzgar al hombre', the adverb could technically modify 'dijo' (the way he said it) rather than 'juzgar' (the way he will judge).

Evita decir: 'Actuó muy imparcialmente'. Aunque no es incorrecto, imparcialmente ya es un término absoluto; se es imparcial o no se es.

Finally, English speakers often over-rely on '-mente' adverbs because they mirror the '-ly' structure in English. While imparcialmente is perfectly correct, native speakers frequently prefer 'con imparcialidad' (with impartiality) or 'de manera imparcial'. Overusing the '-mente' form can make your Spanish sound a bit 'translated' or overly formal. Try to mix in these alternative structures to sound more natural and fluid in your speech and writing.

To truly master imparcialmente, you should also be familiar with its synonyms and related terms. Spanish offers a rich variety of ways to express the concept of fairness, each with its own nuance and level of formality.

Objetivamente: Focuses on facts rather than feelings. While imparcialmente is about fairness between sides, objetivamente is about the absence of subjective interpretation. 'Debes analizar el problema objetivamente'.
Equitativamente: Relates to equity and the distribution of resources. It means giving everyone what they deserve or need. 'Los recursos fueron distribuidos equitativamente'.
Justamente: The most common alternative. It means 'justly' or 'fairly'. It is less formal than imparcialmente and can be used in almost any context. 'El jefe nos trató justamente'.
Neutralmente: Implies not taking a side, often by remaining detached. It is more about the position (neutral) than the quality of the judgment (fair).

Comparación:
1. Actuó imparcialmente (No favoreció a nadie).
2. Actuó objetivamente (Se basó en datos reales).

In more colloquial Spanish, you might hear phrases like 'sin ver a quién' (without seeing whom) or 'parejo' (even/level). For example, 'El profesor califica parejo a todos' means the teacher grades everyone the same way. While these are great for casual talk, imparcialmente remains the preferred term for any situation requiring a high degree of precision and professionalism.

Para ser un buen árbitro, hay que pitar imparcialmente durante los noventa minutos.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the exact flavor of 'fairness' you want to convey. If you are talking about a mathematical split, equitativamente is best. If you are talking about a scientific observation, objetivamente is your go-to. But when the focus is on the moral and ethical integrity of a decision-maker who refuses to be biased, imparcialmente is the most powerful word in your arsenal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' actually comes from the Latin word 'mens, mentis', meaning 'mind'. So 'imparcialmente' literally meant 'with an impartial mind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /im.paɾ.θjalˈmen.te/

US /im.paɾ.sjalˈmen.te/

Primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'men'. Secondary stress is on 'cial'.

Rhymes With

totalmente finalmente claramente realmente especialmente frecuentemente probablemente igualmente

Common Errors

Saying 'im-par-cial-MENT' (forgetting the final 'e').
Putting the primary stress on 'cial' instead of 'men'.
Pronouncing the 'm' as an 'n' before the 'p' (it must be 'im-').
Skipping the 'l' sound before 'mente'.
Pronouncing 'cial' as two distinct syllables (it should be a diphthong: 'syal').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know English 'impartially'.

Writing 5/5

Spelling the long suffix can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 6/5

The six-syllable length and double stress require practice.

Listening 4/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

parte parcial mente justo igual

Learn Next

objetivamente equitativamente justicia derecho veredicto

Advanced

jurisprudencia ecuanimidad probidad arbitrio sesgo

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with -mente

imparcial + mente = imparcialmente

Invariability of Adverbs

Ellos actúan imparcialmente (not imparcialmentes).

Placement after Verbs

Él juzga imparcialmente.

Double Stress in -mente Adverbs

im-par-CIAL-MEN-te.

Coordinated Adverbs

Actuó justa e imparcialmente.

Examples by Level

El profesor ayuda a todos imparcialmente.

The teacher helps everyone impartially.

Simple adverb placement after the verb.

Debemos jugar imparcialmente hoy.

We must play fairly today.

Using 'debemos' + infinitive + adverb.

Ella escucha a sus amigos imparcialmente.

She listens to her friends impartially.

Adverb modifying the verb 'escucha'.

El padre reparte la comida imparcialmente.

The father divides the food impartially.

Present tense verb followed by the adverb.

Es bueno actuar imparcialmente.

It is good to act impartially.

Infinitive 'actuar' modified by the adverb.

El juez habla imparcialmente.

The judge speaks impartially.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

Queremos un árbitro que decida imparcialmente.

We want a referee who decides impartially.

Relative clause with the subjunctive 'decida'.

Tú siempre tratas a la gente imparcialmente.

You always treat people impartially.

Adverb at the end of the sentence for clarity.

El jefe evaluó el trabajo de todos imparcialmente.

The boss evaluated everyone's work impartially.

Preterite tense 'evaluó' modified by the adverb.

Es difícil decidir imparcialmente cuando conoces a las personas.

It is difficult to decide impartially when you know the people.

Complex sentence with 'cuando'.

La noticia fue reportada imparcialmente por la prensa.

The news was reported impartially by the press.

Passive voice 'fue reportada'.

Los premios se entregaron imparcialmente.

The awards were given out impartially.

Passive 'se' construction.

Ella trató de resolver el conflicto imparcialmente.

She tried to resolve the conflict impartially.

'Trató de' + infinitive.

El jurado leyó las cartas imparcialmente.

The jury read the letters impartially.

Direct object 'las cartas' before the adverb.

Necesitamos que el sistema funcione imparcialmente.

We need the system to function impartially.

Subjunctive 'funcione' after 'necesitamos que'.

Él siempre responde a las preguntas imparcialmente.

He always answers questions impartially.

Adverb modifying the verb 'responde'.

Para ser un buen mediador, hay que escuchar imparcialmente a ambas partes.

To be a good mediator, one must listen impartially to both parties.

Use of 'hay que' for obligation.

El comité de ética revisará el caso imparcialmente.

The ethics committee will review the case impartially.

Future tense 'revisará'.

Es fundamental que la ley se aplique imparcialmente a todos los ciudadanos.

It is fundamental that the law is applied impartially to all citizens.

Subjunctive 'se aplique' after 'es fundamental que'.

Aunque era su amigo, el juez actuó imparcialmente.

Although he was his friend, the judge acted impartially.

Concession clause with 'aunque'.

La empresa busca contratar personal de manera imparcialmente... wait, de manera imparcial.

The company seeks to hire staff impartially.

Note the correction: 'imparcialmente' vs 'de manera imparcial'.

El periodista intentó presentar los hechos imparcialmente.

The journalist tried to present the facts impartially.

Infinitive 'presentar' modified by the adverb.

Si no juzgas imparcialmente, perderás la confianza de la gente.

If you don't judge impartially, you will lose people's trust.

Conditional 'si' clause.

Los resultados fueron analizados imparcialmente por un laboratorio externo.

The results were analyzed impartially by an external laboratory.

Passive voice with 'por' agent.

El tribunal constitucional debe velar por que las leyes se ejecuten imparcialmente.

The constitutional court must ensure that laws are executed impartially.

Complex verb 'velar por que' + subjunctive.

Resulta difícil observar imparcialmente un suceso tan cargado de emoción.

It is difficult to observe impartially an event so charged with emotion.

Infinitive subject 'observar'.

El historiador analizó los documentos antiguos imparcialmente, sin prejuicios modernos.

The historian analyzed the ancient documents impartially, without modern prejudices.

Adverbial phrase 'sin prejuicios' adding detail.

Se espera que los observadores internacionales supervisen las elecciones imparcialmente.

International observers are expected to supervise the elections impartially.

Impersonal 'se espera que' + subjunctive.

A pesar de las presiones políticas, el fiscal procedió imparcialmente.

Despite political pressure, the prosecutor proceeded impartially.

Prepositional phrase 'a pesar de'.

Para que el experimento sea válido, los datos deben ser recogidos imparcialmente.

For the experiment to be valid, the data must be collected impartially.

Purpose clause 'para que' + subjunctive.

El mediador escuchó los argumentos e intentó decidir imparcialmente.

The mediator listened to the arguments and tried to decide impartially.

Coordinated verbs.

No es fácil calificar imparcialmente cuando hay una relación personal de por medio.

It's not easy to grade impartially when there's a personal relationship involved.

Adverbial clause with 'cuando'.

La capacidad de discernir imparcialmente entre diversas teorías es vital para un investigador.

The ability to discern impartially between various theories is vital for a researcher.

Nominalization of the verb phrase.

El autor se esfuerza por narrar los acontecimientos de la guerra imparcialmente.

The author strives to narrate the events of the war impartially.

Reflexive verb 'esforzarse por'.

Es imperativo que la auditoría se lleve a cabo imparcialmente para garantizar la transparencia.

It is imperative that the audit be carried out impartially to guarantee transparency.

Subjunctive 'se lleve a cabo'.

Solo actuando imparcialmente podrá la institución recuperar su prestigio perdido.

Only by acting impartially will the institution be able to recover its lost prestige.

Gerund 'actuando' at the beginning for emphasis.

El debate fue moderado imparcialmente, permitiendo que todas las voces fueran escuchadas.

The debate was moderated impartially, allowing all voices to be heard.

Passive voice + gerund clause.

Un verdadero crítico de arte debe evaluar la obra imparcialmente, más allá de sus gustos personales.

A true art critic must evaluate the work impartially, beyond their personal tastes.

Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive.

La justicia no es tal si no se administra imparcialmente y sin dilaciones.

Justice is not such if it is not administered impartially and without delays.

Conditional sentence with negation.

A menudo, la historia no se escribe imparcialmente, sino desde la perspectiva de los vencedores.

Often, history is not written impartially, but from the perspective of the victors.

Contrastive structure 'no... sino'.

La hermenéutica jurídica exige que el texto legal sea interpretado imparcialmente, atendiendo a su espíritu original.

Legal hermeneutics requires that the legal text be interpreted impartially, attending to its original spirit.

Sophisticated vocabulary and subjunctive.

Resulta una quimera pretender que el ser humano pueda despojarse de sus sesgos y juzgar con absoluta imparcialidad... o imparcialmente.

It is a chimera to claim that a human being can shed their biases and judge with absolute impartiality... or impartially.

Abstract philosophical subject.

El tribunal internacional dictaminó imparcialmente sobre el litigio fronterizo que duró décadas.

The international court ruled impartially on the border dispute that lasted decades.

Formal verb 'dictaminar'.

Bajo un velo de ignorancia, los legisladores deberían decidir las normas sociales imparcialmente.

Under a veil of ignorance, legislators should decide social norms impartially.

Reference to John Rawls' political philosophy.

La objetividad científica no es sino la voluntad de observar los fenómenos imparcialmente.

Scientific objectivity is nothing but the will to observe phenomena impartially.

Philosophical definition using 'no es sino'.

Pese a su vinculación emocional con el caso, el perito testificó imparcialmente ante la corte.

Despite his emotional connection to the case, the expert testified impartially before the court.

High-register preposition 'pese a'.

Es consustancial al cargo de magistrado el deber de proceder imparcialmente en todo momento.

The duty to proceed impartially at all times is inherent to the position of a magistrate.

Use of the adjective 'consustancial'.

La crítica literaria contemporánea ha cuestionado si es posible leer un texto imparcialmente.

Contemporary literary criticism has questioned whether it is possible to read a text impartially.

Indirect question with 'si'.

Common Collocations

juzgar imparcialmente

actuar imparcialmente

decidir imparcialmente

evaluar imparcialmente

informar imparcialmente

proceder imparcialmente

observar imparcialmente

calificar imparcialmente

resolver imparcialmente

escuchar imparcialmente

Common Phrases

con el fin de actuar imparcialmente

— With the goal of acting fairly.

Se retiró de la reunión con el fin de actuar imparcialmente.

debe ser tratado imparcialmente

— Must be treated fairly.

Todo ciudadano debe ser tratado imparcialmente.

votar imparcialmente

— To vote based on merit, not bias.

Pidieron a los socios votar imparcialmente.

analizar los hechos imparcialmente

— To look at the facts without bias.

Es necesario analizar los hechos imparcialmente.

gobernar imparcialmente

— To lead a country fairly for everyone.

Prometió gobernar imparcialmente para todos.

arbitrar imparcialmente

— To referee a match without bias.

Es difícil arbitrar imparcialmente en este estadio.

testificar imparcialmente

— To give testimony without taking sides.

El testigo prometió testificar imparcialmente.

mediar imparcialmente

— To help resolve a conflict fairly.

Ella se ofreció a mediar imparcialmente.

asignar tareas imparcialmente

— To give out work fairly.

El supervisor asigna las tareas imparcialmente.

revisar la evidencia imparcialmente

— To check the proof without bias.

El detective revisó la evidencia imparcialmente.

Often Confused With

imparcialmente vs parcialmente

In English, 'partially' usually means 'not fully'. In Spanish, 'parcialmente' can mean 'with bias'.

imparcialmente vs neutralmente

Neutrality is staying out of it; impartiality is being involved but fair.

imparcialmente vs objetivamente

Objectivity is about facts; impartiality is about not favoring people/sides.

Idioms & Expressions

"sin mirar a quién"

— Doing something for everyone equally, regardless of who they are.

Ayuda a todos sin mirar a quién.

Informal

"con vara de medir"

— Using the same standard for everyone (often used with 'la misma').

Mide a todos con la misma vara.

Common

"ponerse en el medio"

— To take a middle position, often to be fair.

Se puso en el medio para decidir bien.

Informal

"no casarse con nadie"

— To not be influenced by or loyal to any specific side.

Ese periodista no se casa con nadie.

Informal/Idiomatic

"dar a cada uno lo suyo"

— To give everyone what they deserve.

La ley debe dar a cada uno lo suyo.

Common

"ser de ley"

— To be a person of integrity and fairness.

Ese árbitro es de ley.

Colloquial (Spain)

"cortar por lo sano"

— To take a decisive, fair action to end a problem.

El juez cortó por lo sano e impuso la ley.

Common

"tener la mano firme"

— To be firm and fair in leadership.

Gobierna con mano firme pero imparcialmente.

Common

"limpio de polvo y paja"

— Free of any guilt or bias (metaphorically).

Su decisión fue limpia de polvo y paja.

Idiomatic

"con pies de plomo"

— Acting very carefully and fairly to avoid mistakes.

Actuó con pies de plomo para ser imparcial.

Common

Easily Confused

imparcialmente vs justamente

Both mean fairly.

Justamente is more general; imparcialmente specifically implies no bias between sides.

Llegó justamente a tiempo (Here it means 'exactly').

imparcialmente vs igualmente

Both imply equality.

Igualmente means 'likewise' or 'equally'; imparcialmente means 'without favoritism'.

Igualmente, gracias por venir.

imparcialmente vs legalmente

Both used in court.

Legalmente means 'according to the law'; imparcialmente means 'fairly'.

Legalmente, no podemos entrar.

imparcialmente vs equitativamente

Both about fairness.

Equitativamente is usually about sharing things (money, food).

Repartieron el dinero equitativamente.

imparcialmente vs rectamente

Both about doing the right thing.

Rectamente is about personal integrity; imparcialmente is about external judgment.

Siempre ha vivido rectamente.

Sentence Patterns

Hay que [verbo] imparcialmente.

Hay que decidir imparcialmente.

El [sujeto] [verbo] imparcialmente.

El juez actúa imparcialmente.

Es necesario que [sujeto] [verbo en subjuntivo] imparcialmente.

Es necesario que el árbitro pite imparcialmente.

A pesar de [sustantivo], actuó imparcialmente.

A pesar de su amistad, actuó imparcialmente.

Solo [gerundio] imparcialmente lograremos [objetivo].

Solo actuando imparcialmente lograremos justicia.

La obligación de [verbo] imparcialmente recae sobre [sujeto].

La obligación de informar imparcialmente recae sobre el periodista.

Resulta imperativo proceder imparcialmente ante [situación].

Resulta imperativo proceder imparcialmente ante tales acusaciones.

Bajo la premisa de [verbo] imparcialmente, se [verbo pasivo].

Bajo la premisa de juzgar imparcialmente, se dictó la sentencia.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing and news; rare in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

El juez es imparcialmente. → El juez es imparcial.
You used an adverb where an adjective was needed. Adverbs describe actions, not people.
Actuaron de forma imparcialmente. → Actuaron de forma imparcial.
After 'de forma', you need an adjective, not another adverb.
Ellos juzgaron imparcialmentes. → Ellos juzgaron imparcialmente.
Adverbs are never plural in Spanish.
Él es muy imparcialmente. → Él actúa muy imparcialmente.
Adverbs need a verb to modify. If you use 'es' (to be), you need an adjective.
Imparcialmente, el sol salió. → El sol salió.
Using 'imparcialmente' where it doesn't make sense. Nature isn't 'impartial'; it just is.

Tips

Adverb Formation

Remember that adverbs ending in '-mente' are created from the feminine form of the adjective. Since 'imparcial' is the same for both genders, you just add the suffix.

Synonym Variety

To sound more like a native, alternate between 'imparcialmente' and 'de manera imparcial' in your writing.

The Double Stress

When pronouncing long adverbs, remember there's a small stress on the adjective part and a bigger one on the '-men-' part.

Legal Use

In legal documents, this word is non-negotiable. If you're studying Spanish law, memorize this word immediately.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'imparcialmente' in one sentence, try using 'objetivamente' or 'justamente' in the next to keep the reader engaged.

High Register

Using this word correctly in a conversation will instantly elevate your perceived level of Spanish.

Latin Roots

Knowing that 'par' means 'part' helps you remember that 'imparcial' means 'not taking a part/side'.

News Keywords

This is a 'keyword' in Spanish news. When you hear it, you know the topic is about fairness or justice.

Social Values

Fairness is a huge social value in Spanish culture. Using this word shows you respect that value.

English Link

Since it's a cognate of 'impartially', use your English knowledge as a bridge to remember it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'im-' (not) + 'partial' (taking a part) + 'mente' (mindly). Not taking a part in your mind.

Visual Association

Imagine a scale (the symbol of justice) perfectly balanced in the middle.

Word Web

Justicia Ley Árbitro Verdad Equidad Balance Objetividad Ética

Challenge

Try to use 'imparcialmente' in a sentence about your favorite sport or a news story you read today.

Word Origin

From the Spanish adjective 'imparcial' plus the suffix '-mente'. 'Imparcial' comes from the Latin 'im-' (not) + 'partialis' (partial).

Original meaning: Not taking a side; not being part of a faction.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too robotic. In very personal situations, using such a formal word might seem cold or distant.

Similar to 'impartially' in English, but perhaps used slightly more often in formal Spanish writing than in spoken English.

Don Quijote often discusses justice, though he rarely acts 'imparcialmente'. The 'Constitución Española' mentions the 'imparcialidad' of the judiciary. Gabriel García Márquez used precise adverbs to describe the detached nature of some of his characters.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Proceedings

Testificar imparcialmente
Juzgar imparcialmente
Un jurado que actúe imparcialmente
Aplicar la ley imparcialmente

Journalism

Reportar las noticias imparcialmente
Analizar la situación imparcialmente
Entrevistar a ambos candidatos imparcialmente
Presentar los datos imparcialmente

Education

Calificar los exámenes imparcialmente
Evaluar el progreso imparcialmente
Tratar a los alumnos imparcialmente
Corregir las tareas imparcialmente

Sports

Arbitrar el partido imparcialmente
Pitar las faltas imparcialmente
Dirigir el encuentro imparcialmente
Evaluar el desempeño imparcialmente

Business

Contratar personal imparcialmente
Evaluar el rendimiento imparcialmente
Asignar el presupuesto imparcialmente
Mediar en disputas laborales imparcialmente

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que los periodistas de hoy informan imparcialmente sobre la política?"

"¿Es posible que un algoritmo decida imparcialmente quién obtiene un crédito?"

"¿Cómo podemos asegurar que los jueces actúen imparcialmente en casos famosos?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido un profesor que no calificara imparcialmente?"

"¿Qué cualidades debe tener alguien para mediar imparcialmente en una pelea?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que actuar imparcialmente a pesar de tus sentimientos.

Escribe sobre la importancia de que la inteligencia artificial procese los datos imparcialmente.

Reflexiona sobre si es humanamente posible juzgar a los demás de manera totalmente imparcialmente.

Imagina que eres un árbitro en una final de fútbol. ¿Cómo te prepararías para pitar imparcialmente?

¿Qué significa para ti que un gobierno trate a sus ciudadanos imparcialmente?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sí, es muy común en contextos formales como noticias, leyes y educación, aunque menos frecuente en charlas informales entre amigos.

Gramaticalmente es posible, pero suena extraño porque la imparcialidad suele considerarse algo absoluto: o eres imparcial o no lo eres.

Objetivamente se refiere a basarse en hechos; imparcialmente se refiere a no tener favoritos entre las partes involucradas.

Podrías decir 'de forma justa', 'sin favoritismos' o 'por igual'.

No, también puede significar 'en parte' (not completely), igual que en inglés. El contexto es clave.

No. Los adverbios en '-mente' solo llevan tilde si el adjetivo original la llevaba (ej. rápidamente). 'Imparcial' no lleva tilde.

Normalmente después del verbo: 'Decidió imparcialmente'.

Los adverbios no tienen género. Siempre es 'imparcialmente'.

Sí, si estás repartiendo comida entre niños y quieres decir que les diste a todos lo mismo sin favoritismos.

Sí, se introduce en el nivel B1 porque es esencial para expresar opiniones complejas y entender textos formales.