Inklingo

How to Say "detachment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

distancia

dees-TAHN-syah/disˈtan.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'distancia' when referring to emotional or psychological separation, reserve, or a lack of closeness between people.
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.

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'.

pelotón

nounB1military/formal
Use 'pelotón' when referring to a specific, often military, group of soldiers or a small team assigned a particular task.

Examples

El sargento ordenó al pelotón marchar a la posición.

The sergeant ordered the platoon to march to the position.

Emotional vs. Group Detachment

Learners often confuse 'distancia' and 'pelotón' by using the military term for emotional separation. Remember, 'distancia' is for feelings and relationships, while 'pelotón' is for a physical group.

Related Translations

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