Inklingo

How to Say "distraction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

distracción

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to a momentary lapse of attention or a minor interruption that causes a mistake.

Examples

Por una distracción, escribí mi nombre mal en el formulario.

Due to a distraction (lapse of concentration), I wrote my name wrong on the form.

descuido

/des-KWEE-doh//desˈkwiðo/

nounB1general
Choose this term when a lack of attention or carelessness leads to a negative consequence or loss.
A glass of water tipping over on a table because it was placed too close to the edge.

Examples

Perdí mi cartera por un descuido.

I lost my wallet because of a slip-up.

Un pequeño descuido puede causar un gran problema.

A small oversight can cause a big problem.

No fue a propósito, fue solo un descuido.

It wasn't on purpose; it was just a moment of carelessness.

Using 'Por' for Reasons

We use the word 'por' before 'descuido' to explain the reason why something went wrong, like saying 'because of' in English.

Masculine Word Patterns

This word ends in -o and is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are a woman describing your own mistake.

Descuido vs. Culpa

Mistake: “Es mi descuido que llegamos tarde.”

Correction: Es mi culpa que llegamos tarde.

desvío

nounC1formal
Use this word when attention is intentionally diverted from a main topic or purpose, often in a more formal or serious context like finance or politics.

Examples

El desvío de fondos públicos causó un gran escándalo.

The misappropriation of public funds caused a huge scandal.

Distracción vs. Descuido

Learners often confuse 'distracción' and 'descuido'. Remember, 'distracción' is usually about a brief moment of not paying attention that causes a small error, while 'descuido' implies a more significant lapse in vigilance leading to a loss or problem.

Related Translations

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