Inklingo

How to Say "spread out" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “spread out” is “disperso” — use 'disperso' when referring to things that are spread out geographically or spatially, meaning they are not close together..

English → Spanish

disperso

/dee-SPEHR-so//disˈpeɾso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'disperso' when referring to things that are spread out geographically or spatially, meaning they are not close together.
A collection of bright colorful marbles spread out across a clean white surface with lots of space between them.

Examples

Las casas en este pueblo están muy dispersas.

The houses in this town are very spread out.

Había varios juguetes dispersos por el suelo del salón.

There were several toys scattered across the living room floor.

Perdona, hoy me siento un poco disperso y no me concentro.

Sorry, I feel a bit distracted today and I can't concentrate.

Matching the Word to the Subject

This word changes its ending to match what it describes. Use 'disperso' for a man or a masculine object, 'dispersa' for a woman or feminine object, and add an 's' for plurals (dispersos/dispersas).

Using 'Estar' for People

When talking about a person being unfocused, we almost always use the verb 'estar' because it's usually a temporary feeling, not a permanent character trait.

Using 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy disperso hoy.”

Correction: Estoy disperso hoy. Use 'estar' because you aren't a scattered person forever; it's just how you feel right now.

extendido

/ex-ten-DEE-doh//ekstenˈdiðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'extendido' when describing something that has been unfolded, stretched out, or is covering a surface.
A large colorful picnic blanket spread out flat across a green grassy field.

Examples

El mapa está extendido sobre la mesa.

The map is spread out on the table.

Caminaba con los brazos extendidos.

He was walking with his arms stretched out.

Deja el mantel bien extendido para que no tenga arrugas.

Leave the tablecloth well spread out so it doesn't have wrinkles.

Matching the Noun

Because this word acts like a description (an adjective), it must change to match what you are describing. Use 'extendido' for masculine items (el mantel) and 'extendida' for feminine items (la sábana).

Extended vs. Long

Mistake: “Using 'extendido' to mean a long duration of time.”

Correction: Use 'prolongado' for time. 'Extendido' is usually about physical space or being unfolded.

Spatial vs. Surface Spread

Learners often confuse 'disperso' and 'extendido'. Remember that 'disperso' applies to things spread over an area, like houses in a town. 'Extendido' is for objects that are unfolded or covering a surface, like a blanket or a map.

Related Translations

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