Inklingo

How to Say "carelessness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuido

/des-KWEE-doh//desˈkwiðo/

nounB1general
Use 'descuido' for a general lapse in attention or a minor mistake that happens without specific intent to harm.
A glass of water tipping over on a table because it was placed too close to the edge.

Examples

Dejé la puerta abierta por un descuido y entraron ladrones.

I left the door open due to carelessness and thieves entered.

Perdí mi cartera por un descuido.

I lost my wallet because of a slip-up.

Un pequeño descuido puede causar un gran problema.

A small oversight can cause a big problem.

No fue a propósito, fue solo un descuido.

It wasn't on purpose; it was just a moment of carelessness.

Using 'Por' for Reasons

We use the word 'por' before 'descuido' to explain the reason why something went wrong, like saying 'because of' in English.

Masculine Word Patterns

This word ends in -o and is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are a woman describing your own mistake.

Descuido vs. Culpa

Mistake: “Es mi descuido que llegamos tarde.”

Correction: Es mi culpa que llegamos tarde.

negligencia

/neh-glee-HEN-syah//neɣliˈxensja/

nounB2formal
Use 'negligencia' when the lack of attention is significant and directly leads to a serious problem, often implying a failure in duty of care.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a garden hose left running in a yard, flooding a small flowerbed while a garden gate stands wide open.

Examples

La investigación concluyó que el accidente fue resultado de negligencia médica.

The investigation concluded that the accident was the result of medical negligence.

El incendio fue causado por una negligencia.

The fire was caused by negligence.

El abogado presentó una demanda por negligencia médica.

The lawyer filed a lawsuit for medical malpractice.

No podemos tolerar este nivel de negligencia en el trabajo.

We cannot tolerate this level of carelessness at work.

Always Feminine

This word is a feminine 'naming word' (noun). You must always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if you are talking about a man's mistake.

Using 'Por'

When you want to say something happened 'because of' negligence, use the word 'por' before it: 'por negligencia'.

Negligencia vs. Flojera

Mistake: “Using 'negligencia' to describe a lazy friend who doesn't want to wash dishes.”

Correction: Use 'negligencia' for serious failures or lack of professional care. For daily laziness, use 'flojera' or 'pereza'.

Choosing Between Descuido and Negligencia

Learners often use 'descuido' for situations that are serious enough to warrant 'negligencia'. Remember that 'negligencia' implies a more severe failure to act responsibly, often with legal or professional implications, whereas 'descuido' is for everyday lapses.

Related Translations

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