Inklingo

How to Say "indifferent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

indiferente

/een-dee-feh-REHN-teh//indifeˈɾente/

adjectiveB1
Use this word when you want to say that you have no particular interest in or preference for one option over another, meaning it makes no difference to you.
A child looking away with a neutral expression while a colorful butterfly lands on their shoulder.

Examples

Me da igual si vamos al cine o al teatro, me es indiferente.

It doesn't matter to me if we go to the cinema or the theater, I'm indifferent.

Me es indiferente si comemos pizza o pasta.

It's all the same to me if we eat pizza or pasta.

Él parecía indiferente ante las malas noticias.

He seemed indifferent to the bad news.

Su arte no deja a nadie indiferente.

His art doesn't leave anyone unmoved (it makes a strong impression).

One Form for Everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for a man, a woman, or a neutral object without changing the ending.

Using 'Me es'

When you want to say something doesn't matter to you, use the structure 'Me es indiferente' (To me it is indifferent). This is more polite than the casual 'Me da igual'.

The 'Indiferento' Error

Mistake: “Él es indiferento.”

Correction: Él es indiferente. Even though 'él' is masculine, adjectives ending in -e don't change to -o.

Missing the 'to me'

Mistake: “Soy indiferente.”

Correction: Me es indiferente. While 'Soy indiferente' means 'I am an indifferent person,' 'Me es indiferente' is the correct way to say 'I don't care about this specific choice.'

frío

adjectiveA1
Use this word to describe a lack of warmth or emotion in a person's attitude or behavior towards something or someone, suggesting unfriendliness or coldness.

Examples

Su respuesta fue fría y distante, sin mostrar ningún interés.

His response was cold and distant, showing no interest.

olímpico

adjectiveB2formal
Use this term for a very strong, deliberate, and often disdainful form of ignoring or dismissing someone or something, as if it's beneath your notice.

Examples

Rechazó la oferta con un desdén olímpico.

He rejected the offer with Olympic disdain.

Confusing 'indiferente' with 'frío'

Learners often confuse 'indiferente' (meaning 'it makes no difference to me') with 'frío' (meaning 'cold' or 'unemotional'). Remember that 'indiferente' expresses a lack of preference, while 'frío' describes a lack of warmth or emotional engagement.

Related Translations

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