How to Say "distance" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “distance” is “distancia” — use 'distancia' to refer to the general physical space or separation between two points, like locations or objects.
distancia
dees-TAHN-syahdisˈtan.sja
Examples
¿Cuál es la distancia entre tu casa y la escuela?
What is the distance between your house and the school?
Mantén una distancia segura del fuego.
Keep a safe distance from the fire.
Ellos se conocieron a larga distancia, por internet.
They met over a long distance, online.
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'distancia' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la' before it: 'la distancia'.
Using 'a' vs. 'de'
You often use 'a' (at/to) or 'de' (from) when specifying distance: 'a cinco metros de aquí' (five meters from here).
Confusing 'distancia' and 'trayecto'
Mistake: “Using 'trayecto' when referring to the measurement of space.”
Correction: 'Trayecto' means 'route' or 'journey.' Use 'distancia' for the measured space: 'La distancia es de 10 kilómetros.'
separación
Examples
La separación entre las mesas es obligatoria por seguridad.
The separation (distance) between the tables is mandatory for safety.
trayecto
tra-yek-tohtɾaˈʝekto
Examples
El trayecto en autobús dura treinta minutos.
The bus journey takes thirty minutes.
Es un trayecto largo desde mi casa hasta el trabajo.
It is a long route from my house to work.
Durante el último trayecto del viaje, empezó a nevar.
During the final stretch of the trip, it started to snow.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', just remember it stays masculine ('el trayecto') regardless of where you are going.
Trayecto vs. Viaje
Use 'viaje' for the whole experience of a trip (vacation, fun), but use 'trayecto' to focus specifically on the time or path spent moving from A to B.
Confusing with 'Trajectory'
Mistake: “Using 'trayecto' to mean a career path or a physical arc.”
Correction: Use 'trayectoria' for a career path or the flight path of a ball. Use 'trayecto' for travel routes.
tiro
TEE-rohˈtiɾo
Examples
El delantero falló el tiro a la portería.
The striker missed the shot at the goal.
Estuvo a un tiro de piedra de la casa, muy cerca.
It was a stone's throw from the house, very close.
Measuring Distance
The phrase 'a un tiro de piedra' (a stone's throw) is a very common way to describe something that is very close by.
General vs. Specific Distance
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