distracción
/dees-trahk-SYOHN/
distraction
A common form of distracción is the lack of attention caused by something diverting your focus.
distracción(noun)
distraction
?lack of attention
,lapse of concentration
?a momentary mistake due to wandering thoughts
inattention
?general lack of focus
📝 In Action
Por una distracción, escribí mi nombre mal en el formulario.
A2Due 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.
B1The constant street noise is a big distraction for me.
Necesito silencio total para evitar cualquier distracción.
A2I need total silence to avoid any distraction.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Remember that 'distracción' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in '-a', like 'una gran distracción'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Usar 'distraer' (the verb) when you mean 'distracción' (the noun)."
Correction: The event itself is the noun: 'Fue una distracción' (It was a distraction). The action of doing it is the verb: 'Me voy a distraer' (I am going to distract myself).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Blame
To say something happened because of a distraction, use 'por una distracción' (due to a distraction).
A distracción can also refer to a relaxing pastime or hobby.
distracción(noun)
pastime
?hobby or leisure activity
,diversion
?something fun to do
entertainment
?activity for pleasure
📝 In Action
Mi distracción favorita es la jardinería.
B1My favorite pastime is gardening.
Los videojuegos son una buena distracción después de un día de trabajo.
B1Video games are a good diversion after a day of work.
El cine ofrece una distracción bienvenida de los problemas diarios.
C1The cinema offers a welcome distraction from daily problems.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
Notice how the meaning shifts from 'losing focus' to 'something that helps you forget your worries'. This is a very positive use of the word.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Hobbies
You can use 'Mi distracción es...' instead of 'Mi pasatiempo es...' when talking about what you do for fun.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: distracción
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'distracción' to mean 'a fun activity'?
📚 More Resources
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).