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How to Say "distinct" in Spanish

English → Spanish

distinto

dees-TEEN-toh/disˈtinto/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when you want to say that two things are clearly separate, unique, or not the same. It's a general term for 'different'.
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-teh/aˈpaɾte/

adjectiveB2general
Choose this word when you mean something is separate or unrelated, often implying it belongs to a different category or issue.
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.

marcado

mar-KAH-doh/maɾˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word to describe a very clear, noticeable, or strong difference, often used for accents, styles, or characteristics.
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.)

Choosing between 'distinto' and 'aparte'

Learners often confuse 'distinto' and 'aparte'. Remember that 'distinto' is a general word for 'different' or 'not the same', while 'aparte' specifically means separate or unrelated, often referring to a distinct topic or item.

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