What it's NOT
distinct does NOT translate to distinto.
To say "distinto" in English, use different.
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False cognate · False friend
distinct
Does NOT mean distinto
It means clear / unmistakable
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
distinct means clear / unmistakable.
Why it's confused
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.
How it's pronounced
distinctdis-TÍNKT
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Examples of correct use
English
There's a distinct smell of coffee.
Spanish
Hay un claro olor a café.
English
Two distinct groups formed.
Spanish
Se formaron dos grupos bien diferenciados.
A trick to remember it
Distinct = clear/unmistakable. Different (Spanish "distinto") = different.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "distinct" mean in English?
"Distinct" means "clear / unmistakable". It looks a lot like "distinto", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "distinto" in English?
To say "distinto" in English, use "different". If you use "distinct" instead, you would actually be saying "clear / unmistakable".
Do "distinct" and "distinto" mean the same thing?
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.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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