aislamiento
/aislaˈmjento/masculine
The English word isolation is translated into Spanish as aislamiento.
aislamiento is a noun used to describe the state of being isolated. It often carries a negative or forced connotation of being cut off from others.
Meaning: state of being isolated (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb aislar (to isolate) and the suffix -miento, which is used to create nouns that denote a state or a process.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, it is important to distinguish aislamiento from soledad. While aislamiento often implies being forcibly or negatively cut off, soledad refers more generally to the state of being alone.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, aislamiento is preceded by the masculine article el when you are referring to the concept in a specific context, such as in el aislamiento.
How do you pronounce it?
/aislaˈmjento/
Did you know?
- While aislamiento refers to social or psychological isolation, the same word is used in construction to describe thermal or acoustic insulation.
- The verb aislar comes from a root that implies making something an 'island', which helps visualize why the noun implies being cut off from the mainland of society.
- The suffix -miento in aislamiento shares an ancient lineage with the English suffix '-ment', as seen in words like 'development'.
Examples in context
- No se debe confundir soledad con aislamiento. Son dos cosas separadas.We shouldn't confuse solitude with isolation. They are two separate things.This sentence is useful for distinguishing the concept of aislamiento from solitude.Tatoeba #1195984 by marcelostockle, translation #239905 by CM
- ¡Ay de los que están solos, amigos míos! Parece que el aislamiento social rápidamente destruye la razón de cualquiera.Woe to who be alone, my friends. It seems that social isolation quickly destroys one's reason.This sentence illustrates how aislamiento can relate to social contexts and mental well-being.Tatoeba #5924443 by albrusgher, translation #907338 by Scott
- La soledad da vida, el aislamiento mata.Solitude vitalizes, isolation kills.This sentence highlights the contrast between the positive nature of solitude and the negative nature of aislamiento.Tatoeba #2780213 by carlosalberto, translation #7910104 by adiante19
- El aislamiento puede ocasionar problemas de saludIsolation can lead to health problems
- Muchas personas mayores experimentan la soledad y el aislamientoMany elderly people experience loneliness and isolation
- El retiro en la montaña le permitió encontrar aislamiento y tranquilidadThe retreat in the mountains allowed him to find isolation and tranquility
- Estar aislado(a) puede generar tristeza y ansiedadBeing isolated can lead to sadness and anxiety
- Después de la ruptura, me he sentido solitario(a) y aislado(a)After the breakup, I have felt lonely and isolated
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their remote work experience.
- LucíaSiento mucho aislamiento trabajando desde casa.I feel a lot of isolation working from home.
- MateoYo también, Lucía. Extraño hablar con mis colegas.Me too, Lucía. I miss talking to my colleagues.
- LucíaEl aislamiento afecta mi estado de ánimo.The isolation affects my mood.
- MateoPodríamos vernos en un café mañana, Mateo sugiere.We could meet at a café tomorrow, Mateo suggests.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “isolation” translations and entries aislamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aislamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
