How to Say "to distinguish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to distinguish” is “distinguir” — use 'distinguir' for the general ability to tell the difference between two or more things, especially when they are similar or hard to tell apart..
distinguir
/dees-teen-GEER//distinˈɡiɾ/
Examples
No puedo distinguir el rojo del verde.
I can't distinguish red from green.
Es difícil distinguir entre estos dos tipos de vino.
It is difficult to distinguish between these two types of wine.
Los gemelos son tan parecidos que nadie los distingue.
The twins look so much alike that nobody can tell them apart.
The 'Yo' Form Spelling Change
For verbs ending in -guir, when the next letter is 'o' or 'a', the 'u' is dropped. This keeps the 'g' sounding like the 'g' in 'game' instead of changing to a 'h' sound.
Using 'de' vs 'entre'
Use 'entre' when talking about two things together (distinguir entre A y B), and use 'de' when comparing one thing to another (distinguir A de B).
Don't keep the 'u' in 'distingo'
Mistake: “Yo distinguo los colores.”
Correction: Yo distingo los colores. (The 'u' is dropped in the first-person present form).
diferenciar
/dee-feh-rehn-syahr//difeɾenˈθjaɾ/
Examples
No puedo diferenciar a los gemelos.
I can't tell the twins apart.
Es importante diferenciar entre un hecho y una opinión.
It is important to distinguish between a fact and an opinion.
Un experto sabe diferenciar un vino caro de uno barato.
An expert knows how to tell an expensive wine from a cheap one.
Using 'Entre' for Comparisons
When you are looking at two things to spot differences, use the word 'entre' (between) right after 'diferenciar'.
The Personal 'A'
If you are trying to tell the difference between two people, you must use the 'a' before their names or titles (e.g., 'diferenciar a Juan de Pedro').
The Wrong Connector
Mistake: “diferenciar para”
Correction: diferenciar de / entre. Use 'de' or 'entre' to show what you are comparing; 'para' doesn't work here.
caracterizar
ka-rahk-teh-ree-SAHR/kaɾakteɾiˈθaɾ/
Examples
Su honestidad lo caracteriza.
His honesty characterizes him.
Esta región se caracteriza por su clima seco.
This region is known for its dry climate.
Es difícil caracterizar su estilo literario en pocas palabras.
It is difficult to characterize his literary style in a few words.
The 'Z' to 'C' Spelling Change
When a verb ends in -zar, the 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it is followed by the letter 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense and in all forms of the special 'wishes/commands' (subjunctive) mode.
Using 'Por' for Qualities
When you want to say something is 'known for' a specific trait, use the reflexive form 'caracterizarse' followed by the word 'por'.
English Spelling Influence
Mistake: “characterizar”
Correction: caracterizar. In Spanish, we never use 'ch' to make a 'k' sound. Use a simple 'c' instead.
Distinguir vs. Diferenciar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.