distracción
/distɾaɡˈθjon/feminine
The English phrase "distraction" is translated into Spanish as distracción.
The noun distracción can refer to both a source of distraction and the act of being distracted, similar to its use in English.
Meaning: something that distracts (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term Despiste is commonly used to express distraction, whereas in Mexico, the phrase desconcentración is used to describe distractions. In Colombia, distracción is the common way to express the idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of distracción is distracciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/distɾaɡˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The term despiste can refer to a mental lapse but also describes a vehicle sliding off the road, like a car skidding into a ditch.
- In a legal or formal context, distracción can refer to the misappropriation of funds, meaning money was 'diverted' or 'distracted' from its intended use.
- The word distracción shares its Latin root, 'distrahō', with the English word 'traction', as both involve the movement of pulling or dragging something.
Examples in context
- Mi única distracción es el juego Go.My only distraction is the game Go.This sentence shows how to use distracción to describe a hobby.Tatoeba #1583588 by marcelostockle, translation #1033603 by shadowsofpegasus
- Es una distracción.It's a distraction.This sentence uses distracción to identify something as a distraction.Tatoeba #587280 by Shishir, translation #265657 by CK
- Nada debe distraerte de tus responsabilidadesNothing should distract you from your responsibilities
- No puedo concentrarme por el despiste constante de mi compañeroI can't concentrate because of my colleague's constant distraction
- Me cuesta enfocarme en la lectura debido a las distracciones en el entornoI find it hard to focus on reading due to distractions in the environment
- El ruido es una gran distracción.The noise is a great distraction.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are studying together in a cafe.
- Alejandro¿Puedo usar tu lápiz?Can I use your pencil?
- LucíaSí, pero no te distraigas.Yes, but don't get distracted.
- AlejandroLo siento, la música es una distracción.I'm sorry, the music is a distraction.
- LucíaTienes razón, busquemos un lugar tranquilo.You're right, let's look for a quiet place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “distraction” translations and entries distracción, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries distracción, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
