Inklingo

How to Say "difference" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “difference” is “diferencia” — use 'diferencia' when referring to the general state of being unlike or the amount by which one thing is greater or less than another.

English → Spanish

diferencia

dee-feh-REHN-syahdifeˈɾensja

nounA2general
Use 'diferencia' when referring to the general state of being unlike or the amount by which one thing is greater or less than another.
A small bright red square placed next to a large bright blue circle, clearly illustrating a difference in size and color.

Examples

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ser' y 'estar'?

What is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

Hay una gran diferencia de precio entre los dos coches.

There's a big price difference between the two cars.

Tuvieron una pequeña diferencia y ahora no se hablan.

They had a small disagreement and now they aren't speaking to each other.

Using 'entre' for Comparisons

When you talk about a difference 'between' two or more things, always use the word 'entre'. For example, 'la diferencia entre el día y la noche' (the difference between day and night).

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “El diferencia es pequeño.”

Correction: La diferencia es pequeña. The word 'diferencia' ends in '-a' and is feminine, so you need to use 'la' and make sure any describing words match it, like 'pequeña'.

contraste

kon-TRAHS-tehkonˈtɾaste

nounA2general
Use 'contraste' when highlighting a stark opposition or a striking difference between two things, often for emphasis or aesthetic effect.
A split composition showing a bright white sun on one side and a dark black moon on the other side.

Examples

Me gusta el contraste de colores en tu pintura.

I like the contrast of colors in your painting.

Hay un gran contraste entre la vida en el campo y la ciudad.

There is a big contrast between life in the countryside and the city.

En contraste con su hermano, él es muy tímido.

In contrast to his brother, he is very shy.

Using the right connector

To compare two things, use 'contraste entre' (contrast between) or 'en contraste con' (in contrast with).

Always Masculine

The word is always 'el contraste'. It doesn't change if you are talking about feminine things.

Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “en contraste de”

Correction: en contraste con

distinción

nounB1general
Use 'distinción' to refer to a noticeable difference that separates or distinguishes one person or thing from another.

Examples

No hay distinción entre los dos modelos.

There is no distinction between the two models.

delta

DELL-tahˈdel̪.t̪a

nounC1technical
Use 'delta' specifically when referring to the Greek letter (Δ) or its use as a symbol for change or variation in mathematics and science.
A minimalist, solid, vibrant blue triangle shape centered against a soft, simple background, representing the geometric form of the Greek letter Delta.

Examples

En las ecuaciones, 'delta' (Δ) representa la variación de la variable.

In equations, 'delta' (Δ) represents the variation of the variable (the change).

La letra griega 'delta' es la cuarta del alfabeto.

The Greek letter 'delta' is the fourth letter of the alphabet.

Symbol vs. Word

When talking about the scientific concept of 'change,' you will often see the symbol (Δ) written, but when you read it aloud, you say 'delta'.

General vs. Specific Differences

Learners often overuse 'diferencia' for all meanings of 'difference'. Remember that 'contraste' implies a strong, often visual, opposition, while 'distinción' highlights a clear separation. 'Delta' is reserved for scientific/mathematical contexts.

Related Translations

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