destreza
“destreza” means “skill” in Spanish (general ability to do something well).
skill, dexterity
Also: proficiency, expertise
📝 In Action
El carpintero maneja las herramientas con gran destreza.
B1The carpenter handles the tools with great skill.
Ella tiene mucha destreza para resolver acertijos matemáticos.
B2She has a lot of dexterity for solving mathematical puzzles.
Adquirir esta destreza requiere años de práctica constante.
C1Acquiring this skill requires years of constant practice.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: destreza
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the best synonym for 'destreza'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Spanish word 'diestro' (skilled/right-handed), which traces back to the Latin 'dexter'. Historically, being right-handed was associated with being more capable or skilled.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'habilidad' and 'destreza'?
They are very similar, but 'destreza' usually refers to a specific, high-level manual or physical skill, while 'habilidad' is more general and can include social or natural abilities.
Is 'destreza' only for physical things?
No, it is also used for mental tasks, like 'destreza mental' (mental agility) or 'destreza para los negocios' (business skill).
Does it have anything to do with the word for 'right' (derecha)?
Yes! Both come from the same root. Long ago, the right hand was considered the 'skillful' hand, so the words for 'right' and 'skill' became linked.