destacar entre la multitud
/destakaɾ entɾe la multitud/from spelling rules
To stand out from the crowd in Spanish is destacar entre la multitud.
This phrase is used to describe being much better than or different from other people in a way that is easily noticed. While destacar entre la multitud is a direct translation, you may also hear the idiomatic expression sobresalir de la masa, which literally means 'to stand out from the mass', used to describe standing out from a generic group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of destacar (to stand out or highlight), entre (among or between) and la multitud (the crowd).
Which one should you use?
The phrase destacar en la multitud is a common and natural variation where entre is replaced by en, and it carries the same meaning of 'to stand out in the crowd'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb brillar, which means 'to shine', can be used to convey the concept of standing out.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express this in the past tense (preterite) for a third-person singular subject (he or she), use destacó entre la multitud.
How do you pronounce it?
/destakaɾ entɾe la multitud/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb destacar is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'detach'. Both words share a French root that originally referred to the act of separating or unfastening something.
- In Spanish, using the verb brillar (to shine) to stand out is more than just a metaphor. It is often used specifically to describe someone who excels through natural talent or charisma rather than just being visually different.
- Depending on the context, destacar can be used as a transitive verb to mean 'to highlight' a specific point. This means you can 'stand out' as a person, but you can also 'make a point stand out' in a speech.
Examples in context
- En esta industria altamente competitiva, es imprescindible destacarse del resto para lograr el éxito.In this highly competitive industry, it is essential to stand out from the rest in order to achieve success.
- Para tener éxito en el mundo de los negocios, es crucial sobresalir y ofrecer un valor único.To succeed in the business world, it is crucial to stand out and provide unique value.
- Siempre intento destacar con mi estilo y personalidad cuando salgo con mis amigos.I always try to stand out with my style and personality when I go out with my friends.
- Si quieres tener un perfil exitoso en las redes sociales, debes publicar contenido interesante que llame la atención.If you want to have a successful social media profile, you must post interesting content that stands out.
- Su talento logra destacar entre la multitud.His talent manages to stand out from the crowd.
- Ella quiere destacar entre la multitud en la audición.She wants to stand out from the crowd at the audition.
- Ese color te ayuda a destacar entre la multitud.That color helps you stand out from the crowd.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a job interview.
- Lucía¿Cómo puedes destacar entre la multitud en la entrevista?How can you stand out from the crowd in the interview?
- MateoDebo mostrar mi experiencia de forma única.I must show my experience in a unique way.
- LucíaEsa es una buena estrategia, Mateo.That is a good strategy, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, espero que me vaya bien.Thanks, Lucía, I hope it goes well for me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries destacar, entre, la, multitud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
