distinguir
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “distinguir” mean in English?
to distinguish, to differentiate
to distinguish, to differentiate (distinguir entre A y B — draw a meaningful analytical distinction)
Example sentences
Es fundamental distinguir entre las causas estructurales de la pobreza y sus manifestaciones inmediatas.
It is fundamental to distinguish between the structural causes of poverty and its immediate manifestations.
La legislación distingue entre los trabajadores autónomos y los asalariados a efectos del cálculo de las cotizaciones.
Legislation distinguishes between self-employed workers and employees for the purposes of calculating contributions.
Hay que distinguir los problemas que pueden resolverse a corto plazo de los que requieren reformas estructurales.
One must distinguish problems that can be solved in the short term from those that require structural reforms.
How to use it
Distinguir means 'to distinguish' or 'to differentiate'. At B2 the key frame is distinguir entre A y B — drawing an analytical distinction between two things. Essential in argumentation and academic discourse. The reflexive distinguirse (to stand out, to be notable) is a different usage.
Common mistake
Distinguir entre A y B is the primary B2 frame. An alternative is distinguir A de B. The reflexive distinguirse (to distinguish oneself, to stand out) has a completely different meaning: se distingue por su rigor = is notable for its rigour. Don't confuse the transitive analytical form with the reflexive reputational form.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 4.2.