Spanish Phrase
Un ombudsman puede mediar en conflictos.
Meaning
The sentence means 'An ombudsman can mediate in conflicts.' It highlights the ombudsman's ability to act as a neutral third party and help resolve disputes.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing the role of an ombudsman in a professional, legal, or organizational setting, especially when talking about conflict‑resolution processes.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Unombudsmanpuedemediarenconflictos.
Indefinite article (Un)
Used before masculine singular nouns to mean 'a' or 'an'.
Borrowed noun (ombudsman)
A loanword from English/Swedish, used in Spanish to refer to an official who defends citizens' rights.
Verb poder (puede)
Third‑person singular present of poder, expressing ability or permission.
Infinitive after poder (mediar)
When poder is followed by another verb, the second verb stays in its infinitive form.
Preposition en
Introduces the domain or context where the action takes place.
Plural noun (conflictos)
Plural of conflicto, meaning 'conflicts' or 'disputes'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Quién puede ayudar a resolver este problema?
Who can help resolve this problem?
Un ombudsman puede mediar en conflictos.
An ombudsman can mediate in conflicts.
✕Common Mistakes
Un ombudsman puede ser mediar en conflictos.
Avoid using 'ser' with an infinitive after poder; the correct construction is 'puede mediar'.
Un ombudsman puede mediar en conflicto.
The noun should be plural when speaking generally: 'conflictos'.
Un ombudsman puede mediar los conflictos.
Use the preposition 'en' rather than the direct object 'los' after 'mediar'.
↔Alternatives
Un defensor puede intervenir en disputas.
A defender can intervene in disputes.
El mediador tiene la capacidad de resolver conflictos.
The mediator has the capacity to resolve conflicts.
Un ombudsman está capacitado para gestionar conflictos.
An ombudsman is trained to manage conflicts.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the role of an ombudsman is often called 'defensor del pueblo' or simply 'defensor'. The term is used in public administration, universities, and large corporations to guarantee transparency and protect citizens' rights.