imparable
/impaˈɾable/
The English phrase "unstoppable" is translated into Spanish as imparable. Wiktionary also lists irrefrenable.
Meaning: unable to be stopped (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| imparable | /impaˈɾable/ |
| irrefrenable | /irefɾenable/ (from spelling rules) |
The word describes something or someone that is unable to be stopped.
What does it mean word for word?
The word imparable is formed from the prefix im- (not), the verb parar (to stop) and the suffix -able (able to).
Which one should you use?
Imparable is the most common way to express unstoppable in terms of momentum or progress. In contrast, irrefrenable is used specifically for impulses, emotions or physical forces that cannot be restrained or checked.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective imparable is invariable in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. To form the plural, add an 's' to get imparables.
How do you pronounce it?
/impaˈɾable/
Did you know?
- The verb refrenar, found in irrefrenable, is also the word used for 'to rein in' a horse, linking the idea of being unstoppable to a lack of reins.
- The word irrefrenable shares a root with freno, meaning 'brake'. This makes the word literally describe something that cannot be braked.
- Spanish has the word desenfrenado to describe an 'unbridled' or 'unrestrained' person, which is a close relative of irrefrenable but focuses on the lack of a bridle for a horse.
Examples in context
- Tomás es imparable.Tom is unstoppable.This sentence uses imparable to describe a person's momentum.Tatoeba #5048591 by don_ramon, translation #1868148 by CK
- Su determinación es imparable.His determination is unstoppable.
- El avance de la tecnología parece inarrestable.The advance of technology seems unstoppable.
- El atleta se siente invencible después de su victoria.The athlete feels unstoppable after his victory.
- Ese equipo es imbatible en su categoría.That team is unstoppable in their category.
- Su espíritu indomable la hace invencible.Her untamable spirit makes her unstoppable.
- Su deseo de triunfo es irrefrenable.Their desire for success is unstoppable.
- No hay quién lo detengaThere is no one who can stop him
- Su progreso en el gimnasio es imparable.Her progress at the gym is unstoppable.
- Ese equipo de fútbol es imparable este año.That soccer team is unstoppable this year.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a talented young runner.
- JavierEse corredor es imparable en la pista.That runner is unstoppable on the track.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier, es muy rápido.You're right, Javier, he is very fast.
- JavierNadie puede alcanzarlo cuando empieza a correr.Nobody can catch him once he starts running.
- ElenaEs verdad, tiene una energía increíble.It's true, he has incredible energy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unstoppable” translations and entries imparable, irrefrenable, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
