Inklingo

How to Say "remainder" in Spanish

English → Spanish

resto

/RREHS-toh//'resto/

nounA2general
Use 'resto' when referring to the mathematical result of a division, or generally to what is left over from a group or quantity.
A colorful blueberry pie with one slice removed, clearly showing the large remaining portion on the plate.

Examples

Si divides 10 entre 3, el resto es 1.

If you divide 10 by 3, the remainder is 1.

El resto del grupo llegará más tarde.

The rest of the group will arrive later.

Puedes comerte el resto de la pizza si quieres.

You can eat the rest of the pizza if you want.

Guardamos los restos de la cena para el almuerzo de mañana.

We saved the leftovers from dinner for tomorrow's lunch.

Always Use 'el resto de'

When you want to say 'the rest of something', you always need to add 'de' after 'el resto'. For example, 'el resto del día' (the rest of the day) or 'el resto de la gente' (the rest of the people).

'el resto' vs. 'los restos'

Mistake: “Usé el resto para hablar de la comida que sobró.”

Correction: Generally, for 'leftovers' (food), it's better to use the plural form: 'Guardé los restos de la cena'. 'El resto' refers to the remaining part of a single thing, like 'el resto de la película' (the rest of the movie).

diferencia

/dee-feh-REHN-syah//difeˈɾensja/

nounA2general
Use 'diferencia' when the 'remainder' implies a difference or disparity, often in abstract contexts rather than a simple mathematical leftover.
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 estos dos números?

What is the remainder (difference) between these two numbers?

¿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'.

residuos

/rre-SEE-dwos//reˈsiðwos/

nounB2formal, technical
Use 'residuos' to refer to traces, remnants, or byproducts, often in a scientific, technical, or forensic context, like chemical traces or waste.
A few small droplets and a thin colorful film at the bottom of a glass beaker.

Examples

Los científicos encontraron residuos tóxicos en el agua.

The scientists found toxic residues (remainders) in the water.

El análisis detectó residuos de pólvora en sus manos.

The analysis detected gunpowder residue on his hands.

Al limpiar la herida, asegúrate de que no queden residuos.

When cleaning the wound, make sure no residue remains.

Technical Usage

In this context, it refers to small, often invisible traces left behind after something is used or removed.

Confusing Mathematical vs. Traces

The most common mistake is using 'residuos' for simple mathematical remainders. Remember, 'residuos' implies something left behind as a trace or remnant, often in a scientific or negative sense, while 'resto' is the standard term for the leftover amount in calculations.

Related Translations

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