Inklingo

How to Say "distant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “distant” is “alejado” — use this word to describe a physical location that is far away from a reference point, like a town or a building..

alejado🔊A2

Use this word to describe a physical location that is far away from a reference point, like a town or a building.

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lejano🔊B1

This word refers to things that are far away in time, like memories, or abstract concepts that are remote.

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remoto🔊A2

Use 'remoto' for locations that are very far and difficult to reach, or for a vague, not clearly recalled memory.

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distante🔊B1

Choose this word when describing emotional coldness or a lack of closeness in a relationship.

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ausente🔊B2

Use this to describe someone who is mentally not present, lost in thought, or appearing unfocused.

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fríaA1

While 'fría' primarily means 'cold' (temperature), it can also describe a person's personality or manner as unfriendly or unfeeling.

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English → Spanish

alejado

/ah-leh-HAH-doh//aleˈxaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word to describe a physical location that is far away from a reference point, like a town or a building.
A storybook illustration showing a tiny, simple red house situated far away on a wide, green grassy plain under a clear blue sky.

Examples

Vivimos en un barrio muy alejado del centro de la ciudad.

We live in a neighborhood very far from the city center.

Esa isla es un destino turístico increíblemente alejado.

That island is an incredibly distant tourist destination.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'alejado' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Examples: 'el pueblo alejado' (M/S), 'la playa alejada' (F/S), 'los pueblos alejados' (M/P).

Use with 'de'

To specify what something is far from, always use the preposition 'de' (from). Example: 'La casa está alejada de la carretera' (The house is far from the road).

lejano

leh-HAH-noh/leˈxano/

adjectiveB1general
This word refers to things that are far away in time, like memories, or abstract concepts that are remote.
Two small, distinct, lush green islands are separated by a massive, wide expanse of deep blue ocean, symbolizing separation.

Examples

Tengo recuerdos lejanos de cuando era muy pequeño.

I have distant memories of when I was very young.

La posibilidad de que eso suceda es muy lejana.

The possibility of that happening is very remote (unlikely).

Nuestros antepasados vivieron en una época muy lejana.

Our ancestors lived in a very distant era.

Abstract Use

When 'lejano' refers to likelihood or probability, it means 'unlikely' or 'remote.' For example, if you say 'la victoria es lejana,' you mean winning is not likely to happen.

remoto

reh-MOH-toh/reˈmoto/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'remoto' for locations that are very far and difficult to reach, or for a vague, not clearly recalled memory.
A tiny wooden cabin is barely visible at the base of enormous, distant mountains, emphasizing physical remoteness.

Examples

Mi abuelo vive en un pueblo muy remoto en la montaña.

My grandfather lives in a very remote village in the mountains.

La señal de internet es débil porque estamos en una zona remota.

The internet signal is weak because we are in a distant area.

Recordó ese evento con una memoria remota.

He recalled that event with a distant memory.

La historia se remonta a un pasado remoto.

The story dates back to a distant past.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'remoto' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'pueblo remoto' (m. sing.) but 'zonas remotas' (f. plural).

Verb 'Remontarse'

The verb 'remontarse a' (to date back to) is often used with 'remoto': 'La tradición se remonta a siglos remotos' (The tradition dates back to remote centuries).

distante

/dees-TAHN-teh//disˈtante/

adjectiveB1general
Choose this word when describing emotional coldness or a lack of closeness in a relationship.
Two people sitting on opposite ends of a long park bench looking away from each other.

Examples

Últimamente mi hermano está muy distante.

Lately, my brother is very distant.

Ella es amable, pero un poco distante con los desconocidos.

She is kind, but a bit aloof with strangers.

Don't use with 'ser' for temporary moods

ausente

/ow-SEN-teh//au̯ˈsente/

adjectiveB2general
Use this to describe someone who is mentally not present, lost in thought, or appearing unfocused.
A child staring out a window with a dreamy expression while holding a paintbrush.

Examples

Tenía una mirada ausente y no me escuchaba.

He had a distant look and wasn't listening to me.

fría

adjectiveA1general
While 'fría' primarily means 'cold' (temperature), it can also describe a person's personality or manner as unfriendly or unfeeling.

Examples

La sopa está muy fría, necesito calentarla.

The soup is very cold, I need to heat it up.

Physical vs. Emotional Distance

Learners often confuse 'alejado'/'remoto' (physical distance) with 'distante' (emotional distance). Remember that 'alejado' and 'remoto' are about space or time, while 'distante' describes a lack of connection or warmth between people.

Related Translations

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