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distinct and Spanish distinto
In English
distinct
clear / unmistakable
In Spanish
distinto
diferente
Spanish "distinto" means: different
Why they get mixed up Spanish "distinto" and English "distinct" are fairly similar. However, English "distinct" also implies clearly perceptible or unambiguous, a nuance of precision not always present in Spanish.
If you want to say...
- distinctclaro o inconfundible
- differentdistinto
- distinctlyclaramente
Examples
There's a distinct smell of coffee.
Hay un claro olor a café.
Two distinct groups formed.
Se formaron dos grupos bien diferenciados.
There is a distinct difference between the two options.
Hay una diferencia clara entre las dos opciones.
She has a distinct accent.
Tiene un acento inconfundible.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: Hay un olor distinto de café en la casa.
Correct: Hay un olor inconfundible a café en la casa.
Distinto means different. For clear or unmistakable, use claro or inconfundible.
Incorrect: Hay una posibilidad distinta de que llueva.
Correct: Hay una clara posibilidad de que llueva.
Use clara or real for distinct possibility.
Phrases you will hear
- a distinct smellun olor inconfundible
- a distinct differenceuna diferencia clara
- two distinct groupsdos grupos distintos
- a distinct possibilityuna posibilidad real
- distinct fromdistinto de
- distinctlyclaramente
In a conversation
- A:
Can you smell that? It's a distinct smell of coffee.
¿Lo hueles? Es un olor inconfundible a café.
- B:
Yes, very clear.
Sí, muy claro.
- A:
It's different from tea.
Es distinto del té.
- B:
Definitely distinct from tea.
Sin duda muy distinto del té.
Test yourself
"A distinct flavor" is a flavor that is...
To remember it
Distinct = clear/unmistakable. Different (Spanish "distinto") = different.
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "distinto" mean?
Spanish "distinto" means "different". It looks like the English "distinct", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "distinct" means "clear / unmistakable".
Does English "distinct" mean the same as Spanish "distinto"?
Spanish "distinto" and English "distinct" are fairly similar. However, English "distinct" also implies clearly perceptible or unambiguous, a nuance of precision not always present in Spanish.