Inklingo

How to Say "distinction" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “distinction” is “diferencia” — use 'diferencia' when you are talking about a clear contrast or how two things are not the same, focusing on the state of being different.

diferencia🔊A2

Use 'diferencia' when you are talking about a clear contrast or how two things are not the same, focusing on the state of being different.

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distinciónB1

Use 'distinción' to refer to the act or perception of recognizing a difference between things, often implying a more subtle or considered judgment.

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excelencia🔊B1

Use 'excelencia' when 'distinction' refers to high quality, honor, or recognition awarded for outstanding achievement.

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relieve🔊B2

Use 'relieve' when 'distinction' means to highlight or emphasize something, bringing it to prominence or notice.

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discriminaciónC1

Use 'discriminación' when 'distinction' refers to the specific ability to perceive or discern subtle differences, especially in sensory perception.

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English → Spanish

diferencia

dee-feh-REHN-syahdifeˈɾensja

nounA2general
Use 'diferencia' when you are talking about a clear contrast or how two things are not the same, focusing on the state of being different.
A small bright red square placed next to a large bright blue circle, clearly illustrating a difference in size and color.

Examples

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ser' y 'estar'?

What is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

Hay una gran diferencia de precio entre los dos coches.

There's a big price difference between the two cars.

Tuvieron una pequeña diferencia y ahora no se hablan.

They had a small disagreement and now they aren't speaking to each other.

Using 'entre' for Comparisons

When you talk about a difference 'between' two or more things, always use the word 'entre'. For example, 'la diferencia entre el día y la noche' (the difference between day and night).

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “El diferencia es pequeño.”

Correction: La diferencia es pequeña. The word 'diferencia' ends in '-a' and is feminine, so you need to use 'la' and make sure any describing words match it, like 'pequeña'.

distinción

nounB1general
Use 'distinción' to refer to the act or perception of recognizing a difference between things, often implying a more subtle or considered judgment.

Examples

No hay distinción entre los dos modelos.

There is no distinction between the two models.

excelencia

ehk-seh-LEHN-syahekseˈlensja

nounB1formal
Use 'excelencia' when 'distinction' refers to high quality, honor, or recognition awarded for outstanding achievement.
A gleaming, perfectly polished golden trophy placed on a small pedestal, symbolizing superior quality.

Examples

El chef siempre busca la excelencia en sus platos.

The chef always seeks excellence in his dishes.

Su presentación fue de una excelencia inigualable.

Her presentation was of unmatched excellence.

La universidad es conocida por su excelencia académica.

The university is known for its academic excellence.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'excelencia' ends in '-a,' it follows the common pattern for abstract nouns ending in '-encia' and is always feminine (la excelencia).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Usar 'excelencia' cuando queremos decir 'excellent' (e.g., 'El libro es excelencia').”

Correction: Use the adjective 'excelente' instead: 'El libro es excelente.' ('Excelencia' is the state of being excellent.)

relieve

reh-LYEH-behreˈljeβe

nounB2formal
Use 'relieve' when 'distinction' means to highlight or emphasize something, bringing it to prominence or notice.
A single bright red bird sitting on a branch among many grey birds.

Examples

El informe puso de relieve la falta de inversión en educación.

The report highlighted the lack of investment in education.

Sus logros científicos le dieron un gran relieve internacional.

Her scientific achievements gave her great international prominence.

El problema cobró relieve tras las protestas del lunes.

The problem gained importance after Monday's protests.

The phrase 'poner de relieve'

This is a very common way to say 'to highlight' or 'to emphasize' an idea. Think of it as 'lifting' an idea so everyone can see it.

Missing the 'de'

Mistake: “Poner relieve los problemas.”

Correction: Poner de relieve los problemas. (In this specific phrase, the word 'de' is always required).

discriminación

nounC1technical
Use 'discriminación' when 'distinction' refers to the specific ability to perceive or discern subtle differences, especially in sensory perception.

Examples

La discriminación de sonidos es fundamental para aprender un nuevo idioma.

Sound differentiation is fundamental to learning a new language.

Confusing 'Diferencia' and 'Distinción'

Learners often confuse 'diferencia' and 'distinción'. Remember that 'diferencia' refers to the state of being different (a contrast), while 'distinción' is the act of perceiving or noting that difference.

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