Inklingo

How to Say "detour" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desvío

nounB1general
Use this word when you need to take a different route specifically to avoid a temporary blockage, like road construction or an accident.

Examples

Tuvimos que tomar un desvío por las obras en la carretera.

We had to take a detour because of the roadwork.

desviación

nounB1general
This is a more general term for any change or departure from a planned or usual route, not necessarily due to a blockage.

Examples

Cualquier desviación del plan original debe ser aprobada.

Any deviation from the original plan must be approved.

rodeo

/rroh-DEH-oh//roˈðeo/

nounB1general
Use this word when the detour involves going a significantly longer way around something, emphasizing the circuitous nature of the route.
A winding dirt path curving around a large fallen tree in a lush forest.

Examples

Había obras en la calle y tuvimos que dar un rodeo.

There was construction on the street and we had to take a detour.

Dímelo ya y no me vengas con rodeos.

Tell me already and don't beat around the bush with me.

El taxista tomó un rodeo innecesario para cobrar más.

The taxi driver took an unnecessary detour to charge more.

Using 'Dar' with Rodeo

To say 'to take a detour,' Spanish speakers almost always use the action word 'dar' (to give), resulting in 'dar un rodeo.'

Plural vs. Singular

When talking about physical paths, we usually use the singular 'un rodeo.' When talking about someone being indirect in speech, we often use the plural 'rodeos.'

Avoid 'Hacer'

Mistake: “Hacer un rodeo.”

Correction: Dar un rodeo. Just like we 'give' a walk (dar un paseo), we 'give' a detour in Spanish.

Desvío vs. Desviación

Learners often confuse 'desvío' and 'desviación'. While both refer to a change in route, 'desvío' is more common for a temporary, practical rerouting due to obstacles, whereas 'desviación' is broader and can mean any departure from a plan or norm.

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