despistarme
/despistaɾme/from spelling rules
The English phrase "throw me off" can be translated into Spanish as despistarme.
Use this phrase when you want to say that something or someone is making you lose your focus or causing you to become confused. An informal alternative is descolocarme, which is used when something unexpected disrupts your flow.
Which one should you use?
The informal expression descolocarme is used to describe something unexpected disrupting your flow.
How do you pronounce it?
/despistaɾme/
Did you know?
- The verb despistar shares a root with pista, which means 'track' or 'clue'. To despistar someone is literally to lead them off the track.
- In Spain, saying hacerme un lío uses the word lío, which can refer to a mess, a confusing situation or even a romantic fling.
- While despistarme describes a moment of confusion, calling someone despistado is a common way to describe a personality trait, similar to calling someone 'scatterbrained' in English.
Examples in context
- Las distracciones constantes en la oficina me desconcentran y afectan mi productividad.The constant distractions in the office throw me off and affect my productivity.
- Cuando alguien me interrumpe mientras trabajo, me descoloca totalmente.When someone interrupts me while I'm working, it totally throws me off.
- La falta de instrucciones claras al principio me desorientó un poco.The lack of clear instructions at the beginning threw me off a bit.
- No intentes despistarme con esas preguntas.Don't try to throw me off with those questions.
- Ese ruido puede despistarme mientras estudio.That noise might throw me off while I study.
- Sus comentarios solo sirven para despistarme.His comments only serve to throw me off.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are studying together for a test.
- LucíaDaniel, no hables tanto que vas a despistarme.Daniel, don't talk so much or you're going to throw me off.
- DanielLo siento, solo quería hacerte una pregunta.I'm sorry, I just wanted to ask you a question.
- LucíaAhora perdí el hilo de la lectura.Now I've lost my train of thought.
- DanielPerdón, Lucía, guardaré silencio ahora.Sorry, Lucía, I'll be quiet now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
