Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| disparejo | /dispaˈɾexo/ |
| desparejo | /despaɾexo/ (from spelling rules) |
The primary way to say uneven is using disparejo, which describes surfaces that are not flat, level or smooth. Beyond physical textures, it can also be used metaphorically to describe an unequal or disproportionate comparison.
Which one should you use?
desparejo is a common variant of disparejo and is used interchangeably in many dialects. For a more formal way to express the concept of uneven, you may use irregular. If you want to describe something as crooked or lopsided in an informal or colloquial way, you can use chueco/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use dispareja for feminine singular nouns, disparejos for masculine plural nouns and disparejas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/dispaˈɾexo/
Did you know?
- While disparejo describes an uneven surface, the word chueco is often used to describe someone who is 'crooked' or dishonest in their dealings.
- The word parejo is the root of disparejo and is used in sports or gaming to describe a 'neck-and-neck' race or a perfectly matched contest.
- If you are in a country like Argentina, you might hear the word desprolijo to describe something that is 'uneven' or messy in its presentation, which carries a sense of being untidy.
Examples in context
- El terreno es irregularThe ground is uneven.
- La superficie del objeto es desigualThe object's surface is uneven.
- Las baldosas del suelo están disparejasThe floor tiles are uneven.
- La foto quedó chueca en el marcoThe picture ended up crooked in the frame.
- Tengo el corte de pelo un poco desparejoI have a slightly uneven haircut
- La carretera tiene un tramo irregular que puede ser peligroso de conducir.The road has an uneven stretch that can be dangerous to drive on.
- Las tablas del piso están desparejas, necesitamos nivelarlas.The floorboards are uneven, we need to level them.
- Me hice un corte de pelo desigual, pero creo que le da un toque de personalidad.I got an uneven haircut, but I think it gives it a touch of personality.
- El suelo de la cocina está muy disparejo.The kitchen floor is very uneven.
- Este corte de pelo me quedó disparejo.This haircut turned out uneven.
- No camines por ahí, el camino es disparejo.Don't walk there, the path is uneven.
Example conversation
Javier and María are walking on a dirt road.
- JavierCamina despacio porque el terreno es disparejo.Walk slowly because the terrain is uneven.
- MaríaTienes razón, casi me caigo hace un momento.You are right, I almost fell a moment ago.
- Javier¿Quieres que te ayude a caminar, María?Do you want me to help you walk, María?
- MaríaNo es necesario, Javier, solo iré con cuidado.It is not necessary, Javier, I will just go carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uneven” translations and entries disparejo, desparejo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
