destacarse
/destakaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'set yourself apart' is translated into Spanish as destacarse.
destacarse is used to describe making oneself different or better than others in a way that is noticed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is based on the verb destacar, which literally means to highlight or to make something prominent.
Which one should you use?
While destacarse is used to mean standing out through excellence, the related form diferenciarse is used specifically to express the idea of distinguishing oneself or differentiating oneself from others.
How does it change in a sentence?
destacarse is a reflexive verb, meaning the subject performs the action upon themselves. In the third person singular, you use the reflexive pronoun se to say 'he/she/it sets themselves apart' (se destaca). If you want to specify the field or area where someone excels or stands out, use the preposition en after the verb, as in destacarse en.
How do you pronounce it?
/destakaɾse/
Did you know?
- The root verb destacar is also used in military contexts to mean 'detaching' a soldier or unit from a larger group for a specific mission. In this sense, setting yourself apart is literally being removed from the main body of troops.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to say someone stands out because they are 'extraordinary', you might use fuera de serie. This describes someone who is 'out of the series' or 'out of the sequence'.
- While destacarse is used for excellence, Spanish speakers use the phrase dar la nota to describe someone who stands out for the wrong reasons, often by being loud or embarrassing.
Examples in context
- Su dedicación y esfuerzo lo ayudaron a destacarse en su campo laboral.His dedication and effort helped him to stand out in his professional field.
- Es importante diferenciarse de la competencia para tener éxito en el mercado.It's important to set yourself apart from the competition to succeed in the market.
- Ella se destaca por su inteligencia.She sets herself apart by her intelligence.
- Ella busca destacarse en la oficina.She seeks to set herself apart in the office.
- Él quiere destacarse de los demás estudiantes.He wants to set himself apart from the other students.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a job application.
- DanielQuiero conseguir el empleo, pero hay mucha competencia.I want to get the job, but there is a lot of competition.
- SofíaTienes que buscar una forma de destacarse.You have to find a way to set yourself apart.
- Daniel¿Crees que mi portafolio sea suficiente?Do you think my portfolio is enough?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, eso te ayudará mucho.Yes, Daniel, that will help you a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry destacarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
