Inklingo

How to Say "to distract" in Spanish

The Spanish word forto distractis distraerA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
verbA2
taking someone's attention away
A child trying to read a book while a colorful butterfly flutters right in front of their face.

Examples

El ruido de la calle me distrae mucho cuando estudio.

The street noise distracts me a lot when I study.

No distraigas al conductor mientras el autobús está en marcha.

Don't distract the driver while the bus is moving.

El mago usó un pañuelo para distraer la atención del público.

The magician used a handkerchief to divert the audience's attention.

The Traer Connection

This word works exactly like the verb 'traer' (to bring). Whenever 'traer' changes its spelling, 'distraer' does the same thing!

The J-Team in the Past

In the past tense (preterite), the 'er' and 'i' disappear and are replaced by a 'j' sound, like in 'distraje'.

The 'yo' form error

Mistake:Yo distrayo.

Correction: Yo distraigo. Because it follows the pattern of 'traer', it needs that 'g' sound in the present 'yo' form.

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