diferencial
“diferencial” means “distinguishing” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
distinguishing
Also: differential
📝 In Action
La atención al cliente es nuestro valor diferencial.
B2Customer service is our distinguishing value.
El análisis muestra un margen diferencial entre los dos grupos.
C1The analysis shows a differential margin between the two groups.
Debemos buscar un elemento diferencial para destacar en el mercado.
B2We must look for a distinguishing element to stand out in the market.
circuit breaker
Also: differential, differential
📝 In Action
Si conectas demasiados aparatos, saltará el diferencial.
B1If you plug in too many devices, the circuit breaker will trip.
El mecánico dice que hay que cambiar el diferencial del coche.
B2The mechanic says the car's differential needs to be replaced.
Vete al cuadro eléctrico y sube el diferencial.
B1Go to the electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker back up.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: diferencial
Question 1 of 3
What happens if you plug too many things into one socket in Spain?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'differentialis', which comes from 'differre' (to carry apart or differ). It shares the same roots as the English word 'difference'.
First recorded: 18th century (in technical/mathematical contexts)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'diferente' and 'diferencial'?
'Diferente' means that two things are not the same. 'Diferencial' is more technical; it describes a specific characteristic that creates a gap or a distinction between things.
Can I use 'diferencial' to describe a person?
Not usually. It sounds very robotic or corporate. Instead of saying 'él es un trabajador diferencial,' it is more natural to say 'él marca la diferencia' (he makes the difference).
Why is my Spanish host family talking about 'el diferencial' when the lights go out?
They are talking about the safety switch in the electrical box. If it 'jumps' (salta), it means the power has been cut for safety, and you need to flip it back up.