How to Say "detachment" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “detachment” is “distancia” — use 'distancia' when referring to emotional or psychological separation, indicating a lack of closeness or involvement.
distancia
dees-TAHN-syahdisˈtan.sja
Examples
Ella marcó una distancia clara con su nuevo jefe.
She established a clear distance (reserve) with her new boss.
Siento que hay una distancia emocional entre nosotros.
I feel there is an emotional distance between us.
Hay una distancia ideológica enorme entre los dos partidos.
There is an enormous ideological gulf between the two parties.
Creating Separation
When you want to express that someone is deliberately creating emotional space, use the reflexive verb phrase 'tomarse distancia' or 'poner distancia'.
indiferencia
een-dee-feh-rehn-syahindifeˈɾenθja
Examples
Ella me miró con total indiferencia.
She looked at me with total indifference.
No podemos actuar con indiferencia ante los problemas de los demás.
We cannot act with indifference toward other people's problems.
Su indiferencia me duele más que su enfado.
Your indifference hurts me more than your anger.
Choosing the right connecting word
When you want to say 'indifference to' or 'toward' something, Spanish usually uses the words 'ante' or 'por' after 'indiferencia'.
The word is feminine
Since it ends in -encia, it is a feminine noun. You must always use 'la' or 'una' with it.
Using 'a' like in English
Mistake: “Su indiferencia a mis sentimientos.”
Correction: Su indiferencia hacia/por mis sentimientos. While 'a' is sometimes used, 'hacia' (toward) or 'por' (for) sounds much more natural in Spanish.
pelotón
Examples
El sargento ordenó al pelotón marchar a la posición.
The sergeant ordered the platoon to march to the position.
Emotional vs. Military Meaning
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.