distancia de seguridad
/distanθja de seɡuɾidad/from spelling rules
To say safe distance in Spanish, use distancia de seguridad. It is the space kept between vehicles or objects to avoid a collision.
distancia de seguridad is the usual term in driving rules and safety notices. When you ask someone to keep their distance, Spanish often uses the adjective segura instead, as in Mantenga una distancia segura, por favor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of distancia, meaning distance and de seguridad, meaning of safety.
Which one should you use?
For a polite, formal request say Mantenga una distancia segura, por favor. or, on a sign, Se ruega mantener una distancia segura. Among friends you can say Mantén una distancia segura, porfa. or Trata de mantener una distancia segura, ¿vale? distancia prudente means a prudent distance and is another common choice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina people often say prudencial instead of prudente when talking about a prudent distance.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make it plural, change only the noun: distancias de seguridad. The part de seguridad stays the same.
Did you know?
- The word seguro used in distancia segura is a versatile term that can mean 'safe', 'sure' or even 'insurance' depending on the context.
- The word seguridad comes from the Latin sēcūritātem, which is rooted in the idea of being 'without care' or 'free from anxiety'.
- The word seguridad is built by combining the adjective seguro with the suffix -idad, a common way to turn adjectives into nouns in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Mantén una distancita segurita, porfa.Keep a little safe distance, please.
- Por favor, mantén una distancia segura mientras hacemos la fila.Please keep a safe distance while we're in line.
- Hijos, recuerden mantener una distancia prudente cuando jueguen en el parque, ¿ok?Kids, remember to keep a safe distance when you play at the park, ok?
- Mantenga siempre una distancia de seguridad.Always maintain a safe distance.
- Mantén siempre una distancia de seguridad.Always keep a safe distance.
- No respetaste la distancia de seguridad con el camión.You did not respect the safe distance with the truck.
- Es importante aumentar la distancia de seguridad cuando llueve.It is important to increase the safe distance when it rains.
Example conversation
Two friends are driving in a car during a storm.
- MaríaJavier, conduce con más cuidado.Javier, drive more carefully.
- JavierVoy a aumentar la distancia de seguridad.I am going to increase the safe distance.
- MaríaSí, hay mucha niebla hoy.Yes, there is a lot of fog today.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, distancia, seguridad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
