Inklingo

How to Say "distinct" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “distinct” is “distinto” — use 'distinto' when emphasizing that something is clearly separate from or different from another, often in a way that makes it unique.

English → Spanish

distinto

dees-TEEN-tohdisˈtinto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'distinto' when emphasizing that something is clearly separate from or different from another, often in a way that makes it unique.
A simple illustration of four small birds sitting on a tree branch. Three of the birds are identical bluebirds, while the fourth bird is a bright yellow canary, emphasizing that it is different from the rest.

Examples

Mi coche es distinto al tuyo; el mío es rojo.

My car is different from yours; mine is red.

Tenemos gustos muy distintos en música.

We have very different tastes in music.

Hizo la misma pregunta, pero con palabras distintas.

He asked the same question, but with different words.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'distinto' must match the noun it describes. Use 'distinto' (masculine singular), 'distinta' (feminine singular), 'distintos' (masculine plural), or 'distintas' (feminine plural).

Comparing with 'A' or 'DE'

When comparing one item to another, 'distinto' is often followed by the preposition 'a' (distinct to/from) or sometimes 'de' (distinct of/from). Both are common ways to show the difference.

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “Compré dos camisas distinto.”

Correction: Compré dos camisas distintas. (Because 'camisas' is feminine plural, 'distinto' must also be feminine plural.)

aparte

ah-PAR-tehaˈpaɾte

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'aparte' when referring to a topic or issue that is separate and not directly related to the main subject being discussed.
A bright blue square object and a bright yellow circular object are placed far away from each other on a white surface, emphasizing their separation and difference.

Examples

Ese es un tema totalmente aparte que debemos discutir en otra reunión.

That is a completely separate topic that we should discuss in another meeting.

Sus opiniones eran aparte de las nuestras.

Their opinions were distinct from ours.

Adjective Use

When used as an adjective, aparte usually follows the noun it describes and often means 'distinct' or 'separate,' rather than physical distance.

definido

deh-fee-NEE-dohdefiˈniðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'definido' when something is clearly established, determined, or easily perceived, like a plan or a shape.
A sharp, clear silhouette of a mountain against a bright blue sky.

Examples

El plan para las vacaciones ya está definido.

The plan for the vacation is already defined.

Tiene unos rasgos físicos muy definidos.

He has very distinct physical features.

Buscamos a alguien con un perfil profesional bien definido.

We are looking for someone with a well-defined professional profile.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'definido' for masculine things and 'definida' for feminine things.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar' when you want to say something has finally been decided (a state). Use 'ser' when describing an inherent quality of something that is always clear.

Definido vs. Definitivo

Mistake: “El resultado es definido.”

Correction: El resultado es definitivo. (Use 'definitivo' for final/conclusive results, and 'definido' for things that are clear or explained.)

marcado

mar-KAH-dohmaɾˈkaðo

adjectiveB1general
Employ 'marcado' to describe a very noticeable or strong characteristic, such as a distinct accent or a clear difference.
A large, bright red flower stands out prominently among many small blue flowers in a field.

Examples

Tiene un acento gallego muy marcado.

He has a very strong Galician accent.

Su estilo de vestir es muy marcado y elegante.

Her style of dress is very distinct and elegant.

Después de tanto ejercicio, sus abdominales están muy marcados.

After so much exercise, his abs are very defined.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'marcado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes in both gender (-o/-a) and number (singular/plural).

Forgetting Feminine/Plural Forms

Mistake: “La diferencia fue muy marcado.”

Correction: La diferencia fue muy marcada. (Because 'diferencia' is feminine.)

neto

NEH-tohˈneto

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'neto' in more formal contexts to indicate a very clear, sharp, or unambiguous difference or distinction.
A sharp, distinct line separating a bright blue sky from a vibrant green field.

Examples

Hay una diferencia neta entre sus dos propuestas.

There is a clear-cut difference between his two proposals.

Lo que sentí fue un desprecio neto por su actitud.

What I felt was pure (sheer) contempt for his attitude.

Abstract Usage

When used this way, 'neto' emphasizes that there is no 'blurriness'—the thing is exactly what you are calling it, with no other elements mixed in.

Choosing between 'distinto' and 'aparte'

Learners often confuse 'distinto' and 'aparte'. Remember, 'distinto' means different or unique when comparing two or more things, while 'aparte' means separate or unrelated, like an issue set aside for later.

Related Translations

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