distrarre
/disˈtrar.re/
To distract in Italian is distrarre.
The verb distrarre means to divert the attention of. You can also use the related noun distrazione to mean a distraction.
Meaning: To divert the attention of (verb)
Which one should you use?
While distrarre is the standard verb, you might use different expressions depending on the context. If you want to be formal, you can use the phrase distogliere l'attenzione to mean 'to distract someone's attention'. For an informal way to describe distracting someone by pulling them out of their thoughts or worries, you can use tirare fuori dai pensieri.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say you are distracting someone from a specific task or object, use the preposition da after the verb (distrarre da). The past participle is distratto, which can be used as an adjective or to form compound tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /disˈtrar.re/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, a distrazione can refer to a diversion of attention, but it is also the standard word for a careless mistake or a 'slip-up'.
- The verb distrarre shares its DNA with the English word 'drag' through its Latin ancestor, because it literally means 'to draw or drag apart'.
- The noun distrazione is often used to refer to a 'hobby' or 'pastime'. Someone might discuss their distrazioni preferite to talk about how they spend their free time.
Examples in context
- Sami provò a distrarre il serpente.Sami tried to distract the snake.This sentence uses distrarre to show an attempt to divert an animal's attention.Tatoeba #13325151 by Guybrush88, translation #6709782 by OsoHombre
- Non lo distrarre mentre sta lavorando.Don't distract him while he's working.This sentence uses distrarre to advise against distracting someone during work.Tatoeba #8670157 by Guybrush88, translation #8669597 by ajje
- Per favore, non mi distrarre dal mio lavoro.Please don't distract me from my work.This sentence uses distrarre to ask someone not to be a distraction from a task.Tatoeba #3803150 by Guybrush88, translation #245355 by CK
- Ho cercato di distogliere l'attenzione di Marco durante la riunione, ma sembrava concentrato sul suo lavoro.I tried to distract Marco's attention during the meeting, but he seemed focused on his work.
- Siamo andati a fare una passeggiata per tirarlo fuori dai pensieri.We went for a walk to distract him from his thoughts.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are studying together in a library.
- ChiaraAlessandro, per favore non cercare di distrarre me.Alessandro, please don't try to distract me.
- AlessandroScusa, volevo solo farti una domanda veloce.Sorry, I just wanted to ask you a quick question.
- ChiaraPossiamo parlare dopo? Devo finire questo capitolo.Can we talk later? I have to finish this chapter.
- AlessandroHai ragione, non voglio più distrarre te.You're right, I don't want to distract you anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “distract” translations and entries distrarre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries distrarre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
