Inklingo

How to Say "focus" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “focus” is “concentración” — use this word when referring to the mental act of concentrating or paying attention, often in situations requiring quiet or deep thought.

English → Spanish

concentración

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to the mental act of concentrating or paying attention, often in situations requiring quiet or deep thought.

Examples

Necesito silencio para mi concentración.

I need silence for my concentration (focus).

centro

SEN-troˈsen.tɾo

nounB1general
Use this word when 'focus' means the main point of interest or attention, especially in social situations or discussions.
A single, brightly glowing yellow star being surrounded by multiple smaller, colorful arrows pointing directly at it.

Examples

Ella siempre es el centro de atención en las fiestas.

She is always the center of attention at parties.

El medio ambiente fue el centro del debate.

The environment was the focus of the debate.

foco

FOH-kohˈfoko

nounB2general
Use this word when 'focus' refers to the main objective or the central point of concentration for a task or mission.
A single bright red flower standing out in a field of muted grey flowers.

Examples

No podemos perder el foco de nuestra misión.

We cannot lose focus on our mission.

Los científicos encontraron el foco de la infección.

Scientists found the source/outbreak of the infection.

Esta zona es un foco de conflictos.

This area is a hotbed of conflicts.

Abstract Usage

Just like in English, the physical idea of light 'focusing' on a point is used to describe mental concentration or the central point of a problem.

Focus (the verb)

Mistake: “Yo foco en mi tarea.”

Correction: Say 'Me enfoco en mi tarea'. 'Foco' is the noun (the center), while 'enfocar' is the action (to focus).

enfoque

en-FO-kayenˈfoke

nounB2technical/general
Use this word specifically when referring to the clarity of an image in a camera, telescope, or the sharpness of vision.
A sharp, clear flower in the foreground with a soft, blurred garden in the background.

Examples

La cámara tiene un enfoque automático muy rápido.

The camera has a very fast autofocus.

Perdí el enfoque de la imagen por un momento.

I lost the focus of the image for a moment.

Related to the verb 'Enfocar'

This noun comes directly from the action of adjusting a lens to see clearly.

Focusing on 'Concentración' vs. 'Centro'

Learners often confuse 'concentración' (mental focus) with 'centro' (center of attention). Remember, 'concentración' is about your own attention, while 'centro' is about being the object of others' attention.

Related Translations

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