deriva
/deˈɾiba/
In Spanish, the word for drift is deriva.
The word deriva is a common formal term used to describe drift in relation to objects or abstract concepts, such as a course of action or an argument. While it can function as a noun, it is most frequently encountered as part of the idiomatic phrase a la deriva, which means being adrift or at the mercy of the current in both literal and figurative senses.
Meaning: the tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct, or the like, object aimed at or intended, intention (noun)
Which one should you use?
While deriva can be used as a noun to mean drift, it is most often used in the phrase ir a la deriva to express the act of drifting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term derrape is used specifically to describe a drift in the context of motorsports or extreme driving.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form deriva is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb derivar, meaning 'it drifts' or 'it derives'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾiba/
Did you know?
- In a medical context, a doctor might use derivar to mean 'referring' a patient to a specialist.
- The word deriva shares the same root as the English word 'derive', as both come from the Latin word for 'flowing from a river'.
- In mathematics, the verb derivar is used when you want to say 'to differentiate' a function.
Examples in context
- Para llegar al puerto del cielo tenemos que navegar, a veces con el viento, a veces contra él, pero debemos navegar y no ir a la deriva ni estar anclados.To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use deriva within the phrase ir a la deriva.Tatoeba #1332480 by Shishir, translation #907018 by Scott
- La nave se encuentra en deriva después de perder el motorThe ship is adrift after losing its engine
- Los corredores muestran sus habilidades al derraparThe racers showcase their skills while drifting
- ¡Qué derrape impresionante!What an impressive drift!
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a confusing project proposal.
- ElenaMateo, ¿entiendes la deriva de este plan?Mateo, do you understand the drift of this plan?
- MateoLa verdad es que no está muy claro.To be honest, it is not very clear.
- ElenaSiento que la deriva es mejorar las ventas.I feel that the drift is to improve sales.
- MateoTienes razón, creo que eso es lo que buscan.You are right, I think that is what they are looking for.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry deriva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deriva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
