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discriminación

dees-kree-mee-nah-syohndiskɾiminaˈsjon

“discriminación” means “discrimination” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

discrimination

Also: prejudice
NounfB1
A group of identical blue birds on a branch excluding a single orange bird from their circle.

📝 In Action

La discriminación por edad es un problema en muchas empresas.

B1

Age discrimination is a problem in many companies.

Luchamos contra la discriminación de género en el trabajo.

B2

We fight against gender discrimination at work.

Muchos países tienen leyes estrictas contra la discriminación racial.

B2

Many countries have strict laws against racial discrimination.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • exclusión (exclusion)
  • segregación (segregation)

Antonyms

  • igualdad (equality)
  • inclusión (inclusion)

Common Collocations

  • discriminación positiva – affirmative action / positive discrimination
  • discriminación laboral – employment discrimination
  • sufrir discriminación – to suffer/experience discrimination

distinction

Also: differentiation, discernment
NounfC1formal
A collection of various smooth stones where one bright red gem stands out clearly among gray pebbles.

📝 In Action

La discriminación de sonidos es fundamental para aprender un nuevo idioma.

C1

Sound differentiation is fundamental to learning a new language.

Los catadores de café tienen una gran discriminación gustativa.

C2

Coffee tasters have great taste discernment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • distinción (distinction)
  • diferenciación (differentiation)

Antonyms

  • confusión (confusion)

Common Collocations

  • discriminación auditiva – auditory discrimination (hearing differences)
  • discriminación de precios – price discrimination (charging different people different prices)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "discriminación" in Spanish:

discernment→discrimination→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: discriminación

Question 1 of 3

Which article should you use with 'discriminación'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
discriminar(to discriminate) — Verb
discriminatorio(discriminatory) — Adjective
discriminador(discriminator / person who discriminates) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
atencióncanciónnación
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'discriminatio', which comes from 'discriminare', meaning 'to divide, separate, or distinguish'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: discriminationPortuguese: discriminaçãoEnglish: discrimination

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'discriminación' always mean something bad?

Usually, yes. In everyday conversation, it refers to unfair treatment. However, in technical or scientific contexts, it can simply mean 'the ability to tell things apart,' like hearing the difference between two sounds.

Is it 'discriminación contra' or 'discriminación de'?

Both are used! 'Discriminación contra las mujeres' (Discrimination against women) and 'Discriminación de género' (Gender discrimination) are both correct, but 'contra' emphasizes the opposition to the act.

What is 'discriminación positiva'?

It is the Spanish term for Affirmative Action—policies designed to favor members of a disadvantaged group who suffer from discrimination.