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distancia

dees-TAHN-syah/disˈtan.sja/

“distancia” means “distance” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

distance

Also: length, gap
NounfA1
A visual representation of physical distance showing two brightly colored, small houses separated by a wide, empty green space and a long path.

📝 In Action

¿Cuál es la distancia entre tu casa y la escuela?

A1

What is the distance between your house and the school?

Mantén una distancia segura del fuego.

A2

Keep a safe distance from the fire.

Ellos se conocieron a larga distancia, por internet.

B1

They met over a long distance, online.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • separación (separation)
  • lejanía (remoteness)

Antonyms

  • cercanía (closeness)
  • proximidad (proximity)

Common Collocations

  • a distancia – remotely; at a distance (used for education or work)
  • corta distancia – short distance
  • larga distancia – long distance
  • tomar distancia – to stand back/to gain perspective

detachment, reserve

Also: gulf
NounfB1
A visual representation of emotional detachment showing two simplified figures sitting close together on a bench, yet both facing away from each other, illustrating psychological separation.

📝 In Action

Ella marcó una distancia clara con su nuevo jefe.

B1

She established a clear distance (reserve) with her new boss.

Siento que hay una distancia emocional entre nosotros.

B2

I feel there is an emotional distance between us.

Hay una distancia ideológica enorme entre los dos partidos.

C1

There is an enormous ideological gulf between the two parties.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reserva (reserve, caution)
  • frío (coldness, lack of emotion)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mantener la distancia – to keep one's distance (emotionally)
  • poner distancia – to create separation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "distancia" in Spanish:

detachment→distance→gap→gulf→length→reserve→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: distancia

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase is used to describe attending classes from home?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
distanciar(to distance (verb)) — Verb
distante(distant (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
anciafragancia
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *distantia*, meaning 'a standing apart' or 'remoteness.' It shares its root with *distare*, meaning 'to stand separate' or 'to be far off.'

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

English: distanceFrench: distancePortuguese: distância

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'distancia' only refer to physical measurement?

No. While its main use is for physical measurement (like miles or meters), it is very commonly used to describe emotional separation, a difference in status, or professional reserve.

How do I say 'to keep my distance' in Spanish?

You can use the phrase 'mantener la distancia' (to maintain the distance) or 'guardar la distancia' (to keep the distance), which works for both physical space and emotional detachment.