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distracción

dees-trahk-SYOHNdistɾakˈθjon

“distracción” means “distraction” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

distraction, lapse of concentration

Also: inattention
NounfA2
A young child sitting at a wooden desk with an open book, but their gaze is completely averted, focused instead on a colorful butterfly fluttering near the window, illustrating distraction or lack of attention.

📝 In Action

Por una distracción, escribí mi nombre mal en el formulario.

A2

Due to a distraction (lapse of concentration), I wrote my name wrong on the form.

El ruido constante de la calle es una gran distracción para mí.

B1

The constant street noise is a big distraction for me.

Necesito silencio total para evitar cualquier distracción.

A2

I need total silence to avoid any distraction.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • despiste (oversight, absent-mindedness)
  • descuido (carelessness)

Antonyms

  • atención (attention)
  • concentración (concentration)

Common Collocations

  • una pequeña distracción – a slight lapse (of concentration)
  • causar distracción – to cause a distraction

pastime, diversion

Also: entertainment
NounfB1
A joyful person wearing gardening gloves tending to brightly colored flowers in a small potted garden, representing a relaxing pastime or hobby.

📝 In Action

Mi distracción favorita es la jardinería.

B1

My favorite pastime is gardening.

Los videojuegos son una buena distracción después de un día de trabajo.

B1

Video games are a good diversion after a day of work.

El cine ofrece una distracción bienvenida de los problemas diarios.

C1

The cinema offers a welcome distraction from daily problems.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • una distracción sana – a healthy pastime
  • buscar una distracción – to look for a diversion

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "distracción" in Spanish:

inattention→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: distracción

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'distracción' to mean 'a fun activity'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
distraer(to distract (verb)) — Verb
distraído(distracted, absent-minded (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
accióncanción
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *distractio*, which itself comes from the verb *distrahere*, meaning 'to pull apart' or 'to draw away'. The idea is that your attention is being pulled away from what you should be focusing on.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: distractionFrench: distraction

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'distracción' and 'despiste'?

'Distracción' is the general state of being distracted or the thing that interrupts you. 'Despiste' often refers specifically to the result of the distraction—a small mistake or an act of forgetfulness due to being absent-minded.

How do I make the verb form of 'distracción'?

The verb form is 'distraer'. It means 'to distract' or 'to entertain'. For example: 'Me distraigo fácilmente' (I get distracted easily).