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desconfianza

des-kon-fyan-sah/deskonˈfjanθa/

“desconfianza” means “distrust” in Spanish (a general lack of trust).

distrust, mistrust

Also: suspicion, wariness
NounfB1
General
A person looking suspiciously at a small gift box on a table, expressing hesitation and doubt.

📝 In Action

Siento un poco de desconfianza hacia los vendedores que gritan mucho.

A2

I feel a bit of distrust toward salespeople who shout a lot.

La falta de comunicación generó desconfianza entre los socios.

B1

The lack of communication created distrust between the partners.

Ella me miró con desconfianza cuando le pedí las llaves de su coche.

B2

She looked at me with suspicion when I asked for her car keys.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • recelo (suspicion/caution)
  • suspicacia (suspicion)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • generar desconfianza – to create/breed distrust
  • tener desconfianza – to have distrust/be suspicious
  • con desconfianza – suspiciously/with distrust

Idioms & Expressions

  • mirar de reojo con desconfianza – to watch someone very suspiciously from the corner of your eye

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "desconfianza" in Spanish:

distrust→mistrust→wariness→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: desconfianza

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'I have a lot of distrust towards him'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
esperanzaenseñanza
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from combining the Spanish prefix 'des-' (meaning 'not' or 'away') with the word 'confianza' (trust), which itself comes from Latin 'confidere', meaning 'to trust fully'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: desconfiançaItalian: diffidenza

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'desconfianza' always a bad thing?

Not necessarily! While it's a negative feeling, it can describe 'caution' or being 'wary' in a way that keeps you safe.

What is the difference between 'desconfianza' and 'recelo'?

'Desconfianza' is a general lack of trust. 'Recelo' is a bit more specific—it's that 'gut feeling' or slight fear that someone might harm you or hide something.

Is 'desconfianza' masculine or feminine?

It is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la desconfianza).