desigualmente dividido
unequally divided
Literally: unequally divided
Use this phrase to professionally or clearly point out that something isn't split fairly or evenly.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unfair or lopsided distribution of resources.
- Common in both professional settings and serious social discussions.
- Requires gender agreement with the noun being described.
Meaning
This phrase describes a situation where things aren't shared out fairly. It's what you say when one person gets a huge slice of cake and you get a tiny crumb.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a pizza
Esta pizza foi desigualmente dividida, eu fiquei com o pedaço menor!
This pizza was unequally divided; I got the smaller piece!
In a business meeting
O trabalho está desigualmente dividido entre as equipes.
The work is unequally divided among the teams.
Texting a roommate about chores
Acho que as tarefas de casa estão desigualmente divididas.
I think the household chores are unequally divided.
Cultural Background
The phrase is frequently used in Brazilian and Portuguese media to discuss 'desigualdade social' (social inequality). It carries a historical weight, reflecting centuries of disparate wealth distribution in Lusophone countries. While it sounds technical, it is a common part of the vocabulary for anyone discussing justice or logistics.
The Gender Trap
The word 'desigualmente' never changes, but 'dividido' must match the noun. Use 'dividida' for feminine things like 'a herança' (the inheritance).
Don't over-complicate
If you are just hanging out with friends, 'tá injusto' (it's unfair) is often more natural than the full phrase.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unfair or lopsided distribution of resources.
- Common in both professional settings and serious social discussions.
- Requires gender agreement with the noun being described.
What It Means
Desigualmente dividido is a straightforward way to talk about unfairness. It describes any resource, task, or space that isn't split 50/50. It’s not just about math. It’s about that feeling in your gut when things are lopsided. You use it for physical objects or abstract concepts like time and attention.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as an adjective to describe a noun. It usually follows the verb ser (to be) or estar (to be). If you’re talking about a pizza, it’s está desigualmente dividido. If you’re talking about wealth in a country, it’s é desigualmente dividido. Remember to match the gender! If the object is feminine, use desigualmente dividida. It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it sounds very smart and precise.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be clear about an imbalance. It works great in professional meetings when discussing workloads. It’s also perfect for complaining to friends about a bill that wasn't split right. You’ll hear it often in news reports about social issues or economics. It’s a versatile tool for your vocabulary belt.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you're looking for heavy slang. It’s a bit too 'proper' for a heated argument with a sibling over a toy. In those cases, Brazilians might just say não tá justo (it's not fair). Avoid it in very poetic or romantic settings. It sounds a bit clinical for matters of the heart. You wouldn't say your love is desigualmente dividido unless you're a math professor.
Cultural Background
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, there is a deep awareness of social inequality. This phrase is a staple in sociology and daily news. It reflects a society that is constantly grappling with the gap between the rich and poor. Using it shows you understand the nuances of balance and fairness. It’s a word that carries weight in a conversation about society.
Common Variations
You might hear mal dividido for a more casual vibe. If something is really unfair, people say muito mal dividido. In a formal academic paper, you’ll see distribuição desigual. Desigualmente is the adverb form that adds that extra layer of 'sophistication' to your speech. It’s the difference between saying 'badly split' and 'unequally partitioned'.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. In writing, it is very common. In speech, it suggests the speaker is being precise or perhaps a bit dramatic about an unfair situation.
The Gender Trap
The word 'desigualmente' never changes, but 'dividido' must match the noun. Use 'dividida' for feminine things like 'a herança' (the inheritance).
Don't over-complicate
If you are just hanging out with friends, 'tá injusto' (it's unfair) is often more natural than the full phrase.
The 'Jeitinho' Connection
Brazilians often talk about things being 'mal divididos' when someone tries to take advantage of a situation using the 'jeitinho brasileiro'.
Examples
6Esta pizza foi desigualmente dividida, eu fiquei com o pedaço menor!
This pizza was unequally divided; I got the smaller piece!
A classic everyday complaint among friends.
O trabalho está desigualmente dividido entre as equipes.
The work is unequally divided among the teams.
Used to address management issues professionally.
Acho que as tarefas de casa estão desigualmente divididas.
I think the household chores are unequally divided.
A polite way to start a difficult conversation.
A riqueza no mundo é desigualmente dividida.
Wealth in the world is unequally divided.
A common observation in political or social debates.
O espaço no sofá está desigualmente dividido por causa do gato.
The sofa space is unequally divided because of the cat.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation.
Sinto que sua atenção está desigualmente dividida ultimamente.
I feel like your attention has been unequally divided lately.
Used to express emotional neglect or imbalance.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to describe 'as fatias' (the slices).
As fatias de bolo foram ___ divididas.
We use the adverb 'desigualmente' to modify the participle 'divididas'.
Complete the sentence regarding a project.
O orçamento do projeto está ___ dividido.
This fits the context of an unfair distribution of a budget.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Desigualmente Dividido'
Using 'mal dividido' for pizza with friends.
Tá mal dividido isso aí!
Standard use for chores or tasks.
O tempo está desigualmente dividido.
Academic or economic discussions.
Os recursos são desigualmente divididos.
Where to use 'Desigualmente Dividido'
Office Workload
Tasks among colleagues
Dinner Bill
Splitting the check
Social Justice
Wealth distribution
Household
Cleaning duties
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds slightly more educated. In very casual talk, people prefer mal dividido.
Not directly. You wouldn't say a person is desigualmente dividido, but you can say their atenção (attention) is.
Usually, yes. It implies that the logic behind the split is flawed or biased.
Just swap the prefix! Use igualmente dividido for a fair 50/50 split.
It can be! Break it down: de-zi-gual-men-te. The 's' sounds like a 'z'.
Only if you're complaining about effort. For example: Nosso esforço no namoro está desigualmente dividido.
The opposite is equitativamente distribuído (equitably distributed) or simply bem dividido.
It is used equally in both, though the accent on the 'u' in 'gual' varies slightly.
Absolutely. If someone is hogging the bed, you can say the space is desigualmente dividido.
No, it is a standard collocation that fits well in newspapers and formal documents.
Related Phrases
mal dividido
distribuição injusta
meio a meio
partilha desigual
falta de equilíbrio
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