descuido
“descuido” means “carelessness” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
carelessness, slip-up
Also: oversight, distraction
📝 In Action
Perdí mi cartera por un descuido.
A2I lost my wallet because of a slip-up.
Un pequeño descuido puede causar un gran problema.
B1A small oversight can cause a big problem.
No fue a propósito, fue solo un descuido.
B1It wasn't on purpose; it was just a moment of carelessness.
neglect
Also: untidiness
📝 In Action
El descuido del jardín es evidente.
B1The neglect of the garden is obvious.
Su descuido personal preocupa a su familia.
B2His personal neglect (lack of grooming) worries his family.
La casa se derrumbó debido al descuido de los dueños.
B2The house collapsed due to the owners' neglect.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "descuido" in Spanish:
carelessness→distraction→neglect→oversight→slip-up→untidiness→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: descuido
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I lost my phone because of a slip-up'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed by adding the prefix 'des-' (which means 'undo' or 'away') to 'cuidado' (care). 'Cuidado' comes from the Latin word 'cogitātus', meaning 'thought' or 'reflection'. So, 'descuido' literally means 'without thought'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'descuido' and 'olvido'?
'Olvido' is specifically when you forget something (like a name). 'Descuido' is when you aren't paying enough attention and make an error (like leaving your oven on).
Can 'descuido' be a verb?
Yes! While it is a noun, 'descuido' is also the 'yo' (I) form of the verb 'descuidar' in the present tense. For example: 'Yo descuido mis plantas' (I neglect my plants).
Does 'descuido' always have a negative meaning?
Usually, yes, because it implies a lack of care. However, in fashion or art, 'al descuido' can mean 'casually elegant' or 'effortlessly cool'.