How to Say "isolated" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “isolated” is “aislado” — use 'aislado' when referring to something physically cut off from surroundings or socially detached, or for a single, unusual event.
aislado
eye-SLAH-dohai̯sˈlaðo
Examples
El pueblo quedó aislado después de la gran nevada.
The town was isolated after the heavy snowfall.
Me siento un poco aislado en mi nuevo trabajo.
I feel a bit isolated at my new job.
Fue un incidente aislado, no te preocupes.
It was an isolated incident; don't worry.
Matching Gender
Remember that this word ends in '-o' because it describes a masculine person or thing. If you describe a woman or a feminine thing (like 'una casa'), change it to 'aislada'.
Using with 'Estar'
We usually use this word with the verb 'estar' (to be) because being isolated is often seen as a temporary state or condition.
Isolated vs. Only
Mistake: “Using 'solo' when you mean 'aislado'.”
Correction: Use 'solo' to mean someone is alone by choice or circumstance, but use 'aislado' when someone is physically cut off or separated from everything else.
remoto
reh-MOH-tohreˈmoto
Examples
Mi abuelo vive en un pueblo muy remoto en la montaña.
My grandfather lives in a very remote village in the mountains.
La señal de internet es débil porque estamos en una zona remota.
The internet signal is weak because we are in a distant area.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'remoto' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'pueblo remoto' (m. sing.) but 'zonas remotas' (f. plural).
apartado
ah-par-TAH-dohapaɾˈtaðo
Examples
Viven en un lugar muy apartado de la ciudad.
They live in a place very remote from the city.
La cabaña está en una zona apartada del bosque.
The cabin is in an isolated area of the forest.
Prefiero las playas apartadas y tranquilas.
I prefer remote and quiet beaches.
Matching the Noun
As a word describing something, it changes its ending: use 'apartado' for masculine things (el pueblo) and 'apartada' for feminine things (la casa).
Describing People
Mistake: “Saying 'él es muy apartado' to mean he is shy.”
Correction: Use 'reservado' or 'distante' for people. 'Apartado' usually describes locations or things set aside.
alejado
ah-leh-HAH-dohaleˈxaðo
Examples
Se sentía alejado de su familia después de la discusión.
He felt detached from his family after the argument.
Sus ideas están muy alejadas de la realidad actual.
His ideas are very removed from the current reality.
Figurative Distance
Just like physical distance, emotional or conceptual distance also uses 'alejado de...'. You can be 'alejado del problema' (removed from the problem) or 'alejado de sus sentimientos' (detached from your feelings).
Confusing 'alejado' and 'lejos'
Mistake: “Using 'El pueblo es muy lejos.'”
Correction: Use 'El pueblo está muy alejado' or 'El pueblo está muy lejos.' 'Alejado' is an adjective that changes form; 'lejos' is an adverb that stays the same.
puntual
poon-TWAHLpunˈtwal
Examples
Solo tenemos un problema puntual con el sistema.
We only have a specific/isolated problem with the system.
Fue una colaboración puntual para este proyecto.
It was a one-off collaboration for this project.
La policía realiza controles puntuales en la carretera.
The police carry out occasional/random checks on the road.
Describing Exceptions
Use this meaning when you want to emphasize that something is not a pattern or a regular habit, but a single instance.
Thinking it always means 'time'
Mistake: “Este es un momento puntual.”
Correction: Este es un momento importante / específico.
Physical vs. Event Isolation
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