Inklingo
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distancia

/dees-TAHN-syah/

distance

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

Illustrating distancia as the physical space or separation between two objects.

distancia(noun)

fA1

distance

?

physical space or separation

Also:

length

?

measurement between two points

,

gap

?

a space separating things

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'distancia' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la' before it: 'la distancia'.

Using 'a' vs. 'de'

You often use 'a' (at/to) or 'de' (from) when specifying distance: 'a cinco metros de aquí' (five meters from here).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'distancia' and 'trayecto'

Mistake: "Using 'trayecto' when referring to the measurement of space."

Correction: 'Trayecto' means 'route' or 'journey.' Use 'distancia' for the measured space: 'La distancia es de 10 kilómetros.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Educational Context

When talking about online or remote education, use the phrase 'educación a distancia' (distance learning).

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.

Illustrating distancia as emotional detachment or psychological separation between people.

distancia(noun)

fB1

detachment

?

emotional or psychological separation

,

reserve

?

a formal or cool demeanor

Also:

gulf

?

large difference in opinions or status

📝 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

  • intimidad (intimacy)
  • confianza (trust, closeness)

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Creating Separation

When you want to express that someone is deliberately creating emotional space, use the reflexive verb phrase 'tomarse distancia' or 'poner distancia'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

In professional or formal settings, 'guardar la distancia' (to keep one's distance) is a polite way to describe maintaining professional boundaries.

✏️ 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

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.