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discrete and Spanish discreto
In English
discrete
separate / individual
In Spanish
discreto
reservado, prudente
Spanish "discreto" means: discreet
Why they get mixed up Spanish "discreto" is someone careful who keeps secrets with reserve. English "discrete" (different spelling) means separate, distinct, not blending with other things. Spanish "discreto" in English is spelled "discreet."
If you want to say...
- discreteseparado o individual
- discreetdiscreto o prudente
- separateseparado
Examples
The course has three discrete modules.
El curso tiene tres módulos separados.
Two discrete categories.
Dos categorías independientes.
The data is divided into discrete groups.
Los datos se dividen en grupos separados.
Each discrete step must be completed in order.
Cada paso individual debe completarse en orden.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: Necesito grupos discretos, no mezclados.
Correct: Necesito grupos separados, no mezclados.
In everyday Spanish, discreto means discreet or modest. For separate, use separado or independiente.
Incorrect: La empresa tiene dos secciones discretas.
Correct: La empresa tiene dos secciones independientes.
Use independiente or separado for discrete.
Phrases you will hear
- discrete groupsgrupos separados
- discrete unitsunidades individuales
- discrete stepspasos individuales
- discreet behaviorconducta discreta
- a discreet inquiryuna consulta discreta
- keep it discreetmantenerlo discreto
In a conversation
- A:
The data is divided into discrete groups.
Los datos se dividen en grupos separados.
- B:
And the report must be discreet.
Y el informe debe ser discreto.
- A:
Discrete and discreet sound the same.
Discrete y discreet suenan igual.
- B:
Yes, but they are spelled differently.
Sí, pero se escriben distinto.
Test yourself
"Discrete units" are units that are...
To remember it
Discrete = separate/individual. Reserved/tactful (Spanish "discreto") = discreet.
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "discreto" mean?
Spanish "discreto" means "discreet". It looks like the English "discrete", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "discrete" means "separate / individual".
Does English "discrete" mean the same as Spanish "discreto"?
Spanish "discreto" is someone careful who keeps secrets with reserve. English "discrete" (different spelling) means separate, distinct, not blending with other things. Spanish "discreto" in English is spelled "discreet."