diferencia
/dee-feh-REHN-syah/
difference
The difference in shape and size between the square and the circle illustrates the noun 'diferencia' (difference).
diferencia(Noun)
difference
?the quality of being unlike
distinction
?a clear contrast
,disagreement
?a dispute or argument
,remainder
?in mathematics, from subtraction
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ser' y 'estar'?
A2What is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?
Hay una gran diferencia de precio entre los dos coches.
B1There's a big price difference between the two cars.
Tuvieron una pequeña diferencia y ahora no se hablan.
B2They had a small disagreement and now they aren't speaking to each other.
La diferencia entre diez y cuatro es seis.
A2The difference between ten and four is six.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'entre' for Comparisons
When you talk about a difference 'between' two or more things, always use the word 'entre'. For example, 'la diferencia entre el día y la noche' (the difference between day and night).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender
Mistake: "El diferencia es pequeño."
Correction: La diferencia es pequeña. The word 'diferencia' ends in '-a' and is feminine, so you need to use 'la' and make sure any describing words match it, like 'pequeña'.
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Say 'Unlike...'
To say 'unlike' or 'in contrast to', use the handy phrase 'a diferencia de'. It's a great way to compare things: 'A diferencia de mi hermano, yo prefiero el té.' (Unlike my brother, I prefer tea).
When someone distinguishes between two unlike things, they 'diferencia' (differentiates).
diferencia(Verb)
he/she/it differentiates
?action in the present (él/ella/usted)
differentiate!
?command for 'tú' (you, familiar)
📝 In Action
El catador diferencia los matices del vino con facilidad.
B1The taster differentiates the nuances of the wine with ease.
¡Diferencia bien los hechos de las opiniones en tu ensayo!
B2Differentiate the facts from the opinions well in your essay!
⭐ Usage Tips
Spotting the Verb
If you see 'diferencia' after a person or thing (like 'él' or 'el sistema'), it's likely this verb form meaning 'differentiates'. If you see 'la' or 'una' before it, it's the noun 'difference'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: diferencia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'diferencia' to mean 'disagreement'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'diferencia' and 'diferente'?
'Diferencia' is the noun, meaning 'the difference' (la diferencia). 'Diferente' is the adjective, meaning 'different' (un coche diferente). Think of it like in English: you find a 'difference' between two things that are 'different'.
How do I use the phrase 'marcar la diferencia'?
It means 'to make a difference' or 'to stand out'. You can use it to talk about someone's positive impact. For example, 'Su trabajo voluntario realmente marca la diferencia en la comunidad' (Her volunteer work really makes a difference in the community).