How to Say "disappearance" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “disappearance” is “desaparición” — use 'desaparición' for the general act of someone or something going missing, or for legal contexts involving a missing person.
English → Spanish
desaparición
nounB1general or legal
Use 'desaparición' for the general act of someone or something going missing, or for legal contexts involving a missing person.
Examples
La policía investiga la desaparición de un testigo clave.
The police are investigating the disappearance of a key witness.
extinción
nounB1general
Use 'extinción' to refer to the complete ending or dying out of something, most commonly species of plants or animals, but also concepts or phenomena.
Examples
Muchos animales están en peligro de extinción debido al cambio climático.
Many animals are in danger of extinction due to climate change.
General vs. Specific 'Disappearance'
Learners often confuse 'desaparición' and 'extinción'. Remember that 'desaparición' refers to something or someone becoming missing, while 'extinción' specifically means the end of existence for a species or concept.
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