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How to Say "distant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “distant” is “lejano” — use 'lejano' to describe something that is far away in time, like memories, or conceptually distant, like a future event.

lejano🔊B1

Use 'lejano' to describe something that is far away in time, like memories, or conceptually distant, like a future event.

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alejado🔊A2

Use 'alejado' primarily for physical locations that are far from a central point or from where the speaker is.

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remoto🔊A2

Use 'remoto' for places that are very far away and often difficult to reach, or for memories that are very old and vague.

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distante🔊B1

Use 'distante' to describe emotional coldness or a lack of warmth and connection in a person's behavior or relationship.

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apartado🔊B1

Use 'apartado' to describe a place that is far from populated areas or main centers, implying seclusion.

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ausente🔊B2

Use 'ausente' when someone appears lost in thought, not paying attention to their surroundings, as if their mind is elsewhere.

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fría🔊A1

Use 'fría' (feminine form of 'frío') to describe a person's personality or manner as unfriendly or lacking warmth, though it also means 'cold' for temperature.

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English → Spanish

lejano

leh-HAH-nohleˈxano

adjectiveB1general
Use 'lejano' to describe something that is far away in time, like memories, or conceptually distant, like a future event.
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.

alejado

ah-leh-HAH-dohaleˈxaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'alejado' primarily for physical locations that are far from a central point or from where the speaker is.
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).

remoto

reh-MOH-tohreˈmoto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'remoto' for places that are very far away and often difficult to reach, or for memories that are very old and vague.
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-tehdisˈtante

adjectiveB1general
Use 'distante' to describe emotional coldness or a lack of warmth and connection in a person's behavior or 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

apartado

ah-par-TAH-dohapaɾˈtaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'apartado' to describe a place that is far from populated areas or main centers, implying seclusion.
A small cabin alone on a grassy hill under a vast sky.

Examples

Viven en un lugar muy apartado de la ciudad.

They live in a place very remote from the city.

La cabaña está en una zona apartada del bosque.

The cabin is in an isolated area of the forest.

Prefiero las playas apartadas y tranquilas.

I prefer remote and quiet beaches.

Matching the Noun

As a word describing something, it changes its ending: use 'apartado' for masculine things (el pueblo) and 'apartada' for feminine things (la casa).

Describing People

Mistake: “Saying 'él es muy apartado' to mean he is shy.”

Correction: Use 'reservado' or 'distante' for people. 'Apartado' usually describes locations or things set aside.

ausente

ow-SEN-tehau̯ˈsente

adjectiveB2general
Use 'ausente' when someone appears lost in thought, not paying attention to their surroundings, as if their mind is elsewhere.
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

FREE-ahˈfɾi.a

adjectiveA1general
Use 'fría' (feminine form of 'frío') to describe a person's personality or manner as unfriendly or lacking warmth, though it also means 'cold' for temperature.
A perfectly square, light blue ice cube is covered in white frost, sitting on a simple, contrasting background.

Examples

La sopa está muy fría, necesito calentarla.

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

Ella fue muy fría conmigo cuando le conté mi problema.

She was very distant with me when I told her my problem.

Adjective Agreement

'Fría' is the feminine form of the adjective 'frío'. Remember, it must match the gender of the noun it describes. For example, 'la leche fría' (the cold milk), but 'el café frío' (the cold coffee).

Physical vs. Emotional Distance

Learners often confuse 'distante' (emotional coldness) with words like 'alejado' or 'remoto' (physical distance). Remember that 'distante' describes a lack of connection or warmth, while 'alejado' and 'remoto' refer to physical separation in space or time.

Related Translations

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