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How to Say "variation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

variación

nounB1general
Use 'variación' when referring to a change or difference in quantity, level, or general form, like a price change or a slight difference between items.

Examples

Hubo una pequeña variación en el precio de la gasolina.

There was a small variation in the price of gasoline.

variación

nounB2formal
Use 'variación' for a formal artistic or musical technique, such as a composer's embellishments on a theme.

Examples

Escuchamos las variaciones de Beethoven sobre un tema de Mozart.

We listened to Beethoven's variations on a theme by Mozart.

variante

/bah-RYAHN-teh//baˈɾjante/

nounB1general
Use 'variante' to describe a specific type, form, or version of something, especially when referring to different kinds of languages, diseases, or products.
Three ice cream cones with different colored scoops: one pink, one green, and one blue.

Examples

Esta es una variante regional del español.

This is a regional variant of Spanish.

Científicos estudian una nueva variante del virus.

Scientists are studying a new variant of the virus.

Existen muchas variantes de este juego de mesa.

There are many variations of this board game.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Used for Science and Art

You can use this word for biological viruses, chess moves, or different versions of traditional folk tales.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el variante”

Correction: la variante (The word is feminine regardless of what it refers to.)

Variación vs. Variante

Learners often confuse 'variación' and 'variante.' Remember that 'variación' generally means a change or difference, while 'variante' implies a distinct type or form of something. Think of 'variante' as a specific subtype.

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