a la deriva
/a la deˈɾiba/
The English phrase drifting can be translated into Spanish as a la deriva.
The phrase a la deriva is used metaphorically to describe things that are aimless, uncontrolled or lacking direction. This can apply to a person's life, a project or a political situation. In contrast, if you are referring specifically to the automotive driving technique of drifting, you should use the term derrape.
Meaning: driving technique (noun)
Which one should you use?
While a la deriva describes something that is lost or uncontrolled, the specific automotive driving technique known as drifting is referred to as derrape.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, both derrape and derrapaje are common terms used for drifting.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la deˈɾiba/
Did you know?
- The word deriva is a linguistic relative of the English word 'derive', as both come from the Latin root meaning to draw water from a source.
- In some Spanish-speaking car cultures, the English word 'drift' is used as a loanword to distinguish professional competition from a common derrape, which could just be an accident.
- The prepositional phrase a la deriva follows a common Spanish pattern where the article la is used to turn a noun into an adverbial expression.
Examples in context
- El hielo a la deriva causó daños en el barco.Drifting ice caused damage to the boat.This sentence shows the use of a la deriva regarding ice.Tatoeba #6386333 by baudelaire, translation #6393237 by npvojtik
- El proyecto de ley quedó a la deriva durante años.The bill was drifting along for years.This sentence shows how a la deriva can describe a bill that is drifting along.Tatoeba #1046271 by hayastan, translation #2445316 by MethodGT
- ¡Tantas miradas que observan cómo el mundo se va a la deriva y tan pocas manos que se lo intenten impedir!So many who see how the world is drifting away and so few who put their hands out to stop it!This sentence uses a la deriva to describe the world drifting away.Tatoeba #1154063 by Shishir, translation #2445327 by MethodGT
- El piloto hizo un perfecto derrapaje al tomar la curva.The driver executed a perfect drift while taking the curve.
- El derrape del coche fue impresionante en la pista de carreras.The car's slide was impressive on the racetrack.
- Observé un deslizamiento controlado durante la exhibición automovilística.I witnessed a controlled slide during the car exhibition.
- Ese conductor hace unos drifts increíbles en su coche modificado.That driver performs incredible drifts in his modified car.
- ¡Mira cómo pisa de lado en esa curva cerrada!Look at how he drifts sideways in that tight curve!
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are watching a car race.
- JavierMira cómo hace el coche a la deriva.Look at how the car is drifting.
- SofíaEs una técnica muy difícil de controlar.It is a very difficult technique to control.
- JavierMe encanta cuando conducen a la deriva así.I love it when they drive drifting like that.
- SofíaSí, Javier, se ve increíble en la curva.Yes, Javier, it looks incredible in the curve.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a la deriva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, deriva, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
