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B1 noun #6,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

desinterés

Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces desinterés en 30 secondes

Explication desinterés in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express likes and dislikes. You might not use the word 'desinterés' yet, as it is a noun and a bit more complex. Instead, you would say 'No me gusta' (I don't like) or 'No me interesa' (It doesn't interest me). However, it is good to recognize 'desinterés' as the opposite of 'interés'. If 'interés' is when you want to know more about something, 'desinterés' is when you don't. Think of it as the 'No' version of interest. You might see it on simple signs or in basic stories about people being bored. At this stage, just remember that the prefix 'des-' usually means 'not' or 'the opposite of'. So, 'des-interés' is 'no-interest'. This will help you build your vocabulary logically as you move forward.

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to describe people's feelings and personalities in more detail. You can start using 'desinterés' to explain why someone isn't doing something. For example, 'Él no estudia por desinterés' (He doesn't study because of a lack of interest). You are also learning more about prepositions, so you can practice saying 'desinterés por'. You might use it to talk about hobbies you used to have but don't anymore. It is a more 'grown-up' way to say you are bored than just using the adjective 'aburrido'. You can also start to recognize the adjective form 'desinteresado' (uninterested or selfless) in simple texts. Focus on the fact that this is a thing (a noun) that someone can 'have' or 'show'.

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B1 is the level where 'desinterés' becomes a key part of your vocabulary. You are expected to discuss more abstract topics like work, school, and social issues. You will use 'desinterés' to describe social phenomena like 'el desinterés de los jóvenes por la política'. You should also learn the two main meanings: the negative lack of interest and the positive selflessness. At this level, you can handle more complex sentence structures like 'A pesar de su desinterés, aprobó el examen' (Despite his lack of interest, he passed the exam). You should also be comfortable using it with various verbs like 'mostrar', 'expresar', and 'notar'. This word helps you move away from simple sentences and start expressing more nuanced observations about the world around you.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'desinterés' with precision in debates and written essays. You can distinguish it from similar words like 'indiferencia' or 'apatía'. You will use it to discuss ethical issues, such as the 'desinterés' required for a judge to be fair (meaning lack of personal bias). You can also use it in more idiomatic ways and in professional contexts. For instance, you might write a report about the 'desinterés' of a target market for a specific product. Your understanding of the word should include its emotional weight; you know that 'mostrar desinterés' in a relationship can be a sign of a serious problem. You are also expected to use the correct prepositions ('por', 'hacia') and accompanying adjectives ('absoluto', 'manifiesto', 'creciente') naturally.

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At the C1 level, you use 'desinterés' in sophisticated ways, often in academic, literary, or high-level professional discussions. You understand the philosophical implications of 'desinterés' as a virtue—the ability to act without being driven by ego or material gain. You can analyze texts where 'desinterés' is used as a stylistic device to describe a character's internal state or a narrator's perspective. You are familiar with the word's appearance in legal and formal documents, where it refers to the absence of conflict of interest. Your usage is fluid, and you can switch between its positive and negative connotations depending on the context without hesitation. You also recognize and can use related terms like 'desinteresadamente' (selflessly) in complex adverbial phrases.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'desinterés' and its place in the Spanish language's history and literature. You can appreciate how authors like Cervantes or Unamuno might have used the concept of 'desinterés' to explore the human soul. You can use the word in highly nuanced rhetorical contexts, perhaps using it ironically or to make a subtle point about societal values. You understand the most obscure collocations and can use the word in any register, from legal brilliance to poetic depth. For you, 'desinterés' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual tool that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning regarding human motivation, ethics, and emotional detachment.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

desinterés en 30 secondes

Desinterés is a Spanish noun meaning 'lack of interest' or 'apathy' towards something.
It can also mean 'selflessness' or 'impartiality', describing someone who acts without seeking personal gain.
Commonly used with verbs like 'mostrar' or 'sentir' and prepositions like 'por' or 'hacia'.
It is a masculine noun ('el desinterés') and always carries an accent on the final 'e'.

The Spanish word desinterés is a fascinating noun that English speakers often encounter at the B1 intermediate level. At its core, it translates to a 'lack of interest' or 'detachment.' However, its usage in Spanish is nuanced, bridging the gap between a negative state of boredom and a noble state of selflessness. When you use desinterés, you are describing a situation where the typical spark of curiosity, concern, or personal stake is absent. This can manifest in various social contexts, from a student showing a lack of motivation in class to a politician acting without seeking personal gain. Understanding this word requires looking at its prefix 'des-', which negates the root 'interés' (interest). In everyday Spanish, you will hear it most frequently when people discuss emotional states or social attitudes.

Emotional State: It describes a feeling of apathy or indifference toward a specific subject, person, or activity. For example, a doctor might notice a patient's desinterés in their own recovery process.
Ethical Altruism: In a more formal or philosophical sense, it refers to acting without personal ambition or greed. A person who helps others with absolute desinterés is someone who expects nothing in return.

The word is versatile. While 'apatía' suggests a deeper psychological state of lethargy, desinterés is often more specific to a topic. You might have a great 'interés' in Spanish but a total desinterés in nuclear physics. It is the perfect word to use when you want to sound more precise than simply saying 'no me importa' (it doesn't matter to me). It provides a noun to describe the phenomenon itself rather than just the action of not caring.

El profesor estaba preocupado por el desinterés que mostraban los alumnos durante la clase de historia antigua.

Furthermore, the word is essential in professional critiques. If a project fails, a manager might cite a 'general desinterés' among the team members. It is a formal way to address a lack of engagement. It is also common in literary analysis to describe a character's coldness or distance from the plot's events. The word doesn't just mean 'boring'; it describes the internal state of the observer who finds the thing boring.

Actuó con total desinterés, pensando solo en el bienestar de la comunidad y no en su propio beneficio.

Social Context: Used to describe the collective attitude of a group toward social issues or political elections.

Su desinterés por la política es evidente; ni siquiera sabe quiénes son los candidatos actuales.

In summary, desinterés is a heavy-hitting noun that allows you to discuss motivation, ethics, and social engagement with high precision. Whether you are describing a bored teenager or a selfless saint, this word provides the necessary linguistic bridge to express a lack of personal stake or focus.

Using desinterés correctly involves understanding its grammatical pairings. As a noun, it often follows verbs of perception or manifestation like 'mostrar' (to show), 'demostrar' (to demonstrate), 'notar' (to notice), or 'sentir' (to feel). One of the most common constructions is mostrar desinterés por algo (to show a lack of interest in something). Note the use of the preposition 'por' or sometimes 'hacia'. These prepositions link the state of mind to the object being ignored.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'fingir' (to pretend) or 'ocultar' (to hide) are also frequently used with desinterés in social or romantic contexts.

Ella intentó fingir desinterés cuando lo vio entrar, pero sus ojos decían lo contrario.

Adjectives often accompany desinterés to modify its intensity. You will see 'total desinterés' (total lack of interest), 'absoluto desinterés' (absolute lack of interest), or 'cierto desinterés' (a certain lack of interest). These qualifiers help specify whether the person is completely checked out or just slightly unenthusiastic. For example, 'un desinterés absoluto por las normas' suggests a rebellious or nihilistic attitude.

El desinterés general de la población hacia el nuevo decreto causó el fracaso de la medida.

Another important aspect is its role in prepositional phrases like 'con desinterés' (with lack of interest/selflessly). This can describe the manner in which an action is performed. If someone works 'con desinterés', they are working for the sake of the work itself, not for money or fame. This is a very positive use of the word, which can be confusing for learners who only associate it with boredom.

Donó su fortuna con absoluto desinterés, buscando solo ayudar a los más necesitados.

The 'Por' vs 'Hacia' distinction: 'Por' is more common for abstract concepts (politics, sports), while 'hacia' can feel more directional or personal (toward a person or a movement).

Notamos un creciente desinterés hacia las tradiciones locales entre los jóvenes de la ciudad.

Finally, consider the phrase 'caer en el desinterés' (to fall into a state of lack of interest). This is often used when discussing relationships or hobbies that have lost their spark over time. It implies a process of gradual decline in enthusiasm.

In the real Spanish-speaking world, desinterés is not just a textbook word; it is a staple of news broadcasts, academic lectures, and deep interpersonal conversations. If you turn on the news in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you might hear a journalist talking about the 'desinterés de los votantes' (voter apathy) during an election cycle. It is the standard term for describing a lack of civic engagement. Politicians often use it to criticize their opponents, accusing them of having a 'desinterés por los problemas reales de la gente' (lack of interest in people's real problems).

In the News: Used to analyze social trends, economic shifts (lack of interest in investing), or environmental concerns.

El analista destacó el desinterés de los mercados internacionales por la nueva deuda soberana.

In educational settings, you will hear teachers and professors use it constantly. They discuss how to overcome the desinterés of students by using more interactive methods. In university psychology or sociology courses, 'el desinterés' is studied as a symptom of various social or mental conditions. It is a formal, precise way to talk about what might otherwise be called 'laziness' or 'boredom', but with a more analytical tone.

Combatir el desinterés escolar es uno de los mayores retos del sistema educativo actual.

In romantic dramas (telenovelas) or literature, desinterés is a key plot driver. A character might suffer because of the desinterés of their beloved. Here, it takes on a more emotional, painful weight. It’s not just 'not being interested'; it’s the active absence of love or attention where it was expected. Literary critics might write about the 'desinterés existencial' (existential lack of interest) of a protagonist in a modern novel.

Su desinterés afectivo era una coraza para protegerse de posibles decepciones amorosas.

In Professional Settings: Used in performance reviews or project debriefs to describe a lack of commitment or focus on KPIs.

La empresa cerró debido al desinterés de los socios por seguir invirtiendo en tecnología.

Finally, you'll find it in the world of non-profits and NGOs. They often highlight the 'desinterés' of donors who give without seeking publicity. This positive spin on the word is very common in formal speeches thanking benefactors for their 'noble desinterés'.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with desinterés is assuming it only has a negative connotation. In English, 'disinterest' can mean 'unbiased' (positive) or 'not interested' (negative), though people often use 'uninterested' for the latter. In Spanish, desinterés covers both, but learners often forget the 'selfless' meaning. They might hear someone praised for their 'desinterés' and think the person is being criticized for being bored, when in fact they are being lauded for their generosity.

Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Adjective: Using 'desinterés' when you should use the adjective 'desinteresado'. Remember: 'Él tiene desinterés' (He has a lack of interest) vs 'Él es desinteresado' (He is selfless).

Incorrecto: Él es muy desinterés. Correcto: Él es muy desinteresado.

Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Students often try to say 'desinterés en' (following the English 'interest in'). While 'en' is occasionally used and understood, 'por' or 'hacia' are much more natural and common in Spanish. Saying 'mi desinterés en la música' sounds slightly anglicized compared to 'mi desinterés por la música'.

Evita decir: Mi desinterés en el fútbol. Prefiere: Mi desinterés por el fútbol.

Spelling is another pitfall. Because 'interés' has an accent on the last 'e', desinterés also carries that accent. Many learners forget it, especially since the plural 'desintereses' loses the accent (following Spanish stress rules). Always remember the accent on the singular form to maintain correct pronunciation and spelling.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for simple boredom: If a movie is just boring, say 'la película es aburrida'. Use 'desinterés' for the human reaction: 'Siento desinterés por este tipo de películas'.

No digas: La clase es desinterés. Di: La clase me produce desinterés.

Finally, avoid confusing 'desinterés' with 'desprecio' (contempt). 'Desinterés' is neutral—you simply don't care. 'Desprecio' is active—you look down on something. Using them interchangeably can lead to social misunderstandings.

To truly master desinterés, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in flavor and intensity. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for 'not caring,' and choosing the right word can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

Desinterés vs Indiferencia: Desinterés: Lack of curiosity or motivation.
Indiferencia: A total lack of feeling, often implying coldness or a refusal to choose sides. Indiferencia is often more hurtful in relationships.
Desinterés vs Apatía: Apatía: A stronger, often psychological term. It suggests a complete lack of energy or emotion. If desinterés is 'I don't care about this book,' apatía is 'I don't care about anything.'

Mientras que el desinterés puede ser selectivo, la apatía suele ser generalizada.

Another great word is 'desgano' (or 'desgana'). This specifically refers to a lack of 'gana' (desire or appetite) to do something. It is more informal and physical than desinterés. If you don't feel like going to the gym, you have 'desgana'. If you don't care about the gym's philosophy, you have 'desinterés'.

Hizo la tarea con desgana, solo para terminar rápido.

On the 'selfless' side of desinterés, alternatives include 'altruismo' (altruism) and 'generosidad' (generosity). While 'generosidad' focuses on the act of giving, desinterés focuses on the lack of ulterior motives. A 'gesto desinteresado' is a gesture made without expecting anything in return.

Summary Table

Indiferencia: Neutrality or coldness.
Apatía: Lack of emotion/energy.
Desgano: Lack of desire to act.
Aburrimiento: Temporary boredom.

Su desapego por lo material era admirable para sus seguidores.

Using these synonyms correctly will make your Spanish sound much more sophisticated and nuanced. Instead of repeating 'no me interesa' or 'no me importa', you can now describe the specific type of lack of interest you are witnessing or feeling.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The concept of 'desinterés' as a positive virtue (selflessness) became very popular in Spanish mysticism and knightly literature, where heroes were expected to act without 'interés' for gold.

Guide de prononciation

UK /des.in.te.ˈɾes/

US /des.in.te.ˈɾes/

The stress is on the final syllable 'rés', marked by the written accent.

Rime avec

interés estrés revés inglés francés cortés después mes

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English 'disinterest' with a 'z' sound.
Forgetting the accent and stressing the 'te' syllable.
Swallowing the 's' at the end (common in some dialects).
Using a long English 'e' sound for the 'i'.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'interés' and prefix 'des-'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the accent and the correct prepositions like 'por'.

Expression orale 4/5

The 's-i-n' transition and the final stress need practice for natural flow.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation, though the final 's' may be soft in some dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

interés interesar gustar importar falta

Apprends ensuite

indiferencia apatía desinteresado altruismo desgano

Avancé

desapego imparcialidad ecuanimidad estoicismo desasimiento

Grammaire à connaître

Prefix 'des-'

interés -> desinterés; hacer -> deshacer

Noun Stress (Agudas)

Words ending in 's' with stress on the last syllable need an accent: desinterés.

Preposition 'por' with feelings

Siento amor por... / Siento desinterés por...

Adjective placement for emphasis

Un total desinterés vs. un desinterés total (total desinterés sounds slightly more emphatic).

Substantive use of 'lo'

Lo que me molesta es su desinterés.

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Exemples par niveau

Siento desinterés por este libro.

I feel a lack of interest in this book.

Simple use of 'sentir' + noun.

El niño tiene desinterés en la comida.

The boy has a lack of interest in the food.

Using 'tener' to describe a state.

Su desinterés es muy claro.

His lack of interest is very clear.

Subject + verb 'ser' + adjective.

No me gusta el desinterés de mi amigo.

I don't like my friend's lack of interest.

Using 'no me gusta' with a noun phrase.

Hay mucho desinterés en la clase hoy.

There is a lot of lack of interest in class today.

Using 'hay' (there is) + noun.

Veo desinterés en sus ojos.

I see lack of interest in his/her eyes.

Verb 'ver' + noun.

El desinterés no es bueno para aprender.

Lack of interest is not good for learning.

General statement with 'el' + noun.

Ella muestra desinterés por el juego.

She shows lack of interest in the game.

Verb 'mostrar' + noun.

Juan mostró desinterés por la película desde el principio.

Juan showed lack of interest in the movie from the start.

Preterite tense of 'mostrar'.

Me preocupa tu desinterés por los estudios.

Your lack of interest in your studies worries me.

Using 'me preocupa' (it worries me).

No es odio, es simplemente desinterés.

It's not hate, it's simply lack of interest.

Contrasting two nouns.

A veces, el desinterés es peor que el enfado.

Sometimes, lack of interest is worse than anger.

Comparative 'peor que'.

Él camina con desinterés por la calle.

He walks with lack of interest through the street.

Adverbial phrase 'con desinterés'.

Noté un cierto desinterés en su voz.

I noticed a certain lack of interest in her voice.

Indefinite article 'un' + adjective 'cierto'.

El desinterés por la música clásica es común hoy.

Lack of interest in classical music is common today.

Generalizing with 'es común'.

Ella finge desinterés para que él la busque.

She pretends lack of interest so that he looks for her.

Verb 'fingir' + purpose clause with 'para que'.

El desinterés de los ciudadanos por las elecciones es preocupante.

The citizens' lack of interest in the elections is worrying.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Actuó con un desinterés total por su propia seguridad.

He acted with a total lack of interest in his own safety.

Prepositional phrase with intensifier 'total'.

Es difícil trabajar cuando hay tanto desinterés en el equipo.

It's hard to work when there is so much lack of interest in the team.

Impersonal 'es difícil' + infinitive.

Su desinterés por el dinero lo hace una persona muy especial.

His lack of interest in money makes him a very special person.

Positive connotation of 'desinterés'.

La falta de apoyo provocó el desinterés de los voluntarios.

The lack of support caused the volunteers' lack of interest.

Cause and effect relationship.

No debemos confundir el desinterés con la falta de capacidad.

We shouldn't confuse lack of interest with lack of ability.

Verb 'confundir' A with B.

El desinterés por el medio ambiente tiene consecuencias graves.

Lack of interest in the environment has serious consequences.

Noun + prepositional phrase + verb.

A pesar de su desinterés inicial, acabó amando el curso.

Despite his initial lack of interest, he ended up loving the course.

Contrast with 'a pesar de'.

El desinterés manifiesto del gobierno por la cultura es una tragedia.

The government's manifest lack of interest in culture is a tragedy.

Adjective 'manifiesto' for emphasis.

Su aparente desinterés escondía una gran ambición.

His apparent lack of interest hid a great ambition.

Adjective 'aparente' modifying the noun.

La empresa fracasó por el desinterés de los inversores extranjeros.

The company failed due to the lack of interest from foreign investors.

Preposition 'por' indicating cause.

Mantuvo un desinterés absoluto durante toda la negociación.

He maintained an absolute lack of interest throughout the negotiation.

Verb 'mantener' + intensifier.

El desinterés por las normas sociales puede llevar al aislamiento.

Lack of interest in social norms can lead to isolation.

Modal verb 'puede' indicating possibility.

Se nota un desinterés creciente por la prensa escrita.

A growing lack of interest in the written press is noticeable.

Passive reflexive 'se nota'.

Ella donó sus servicios con un desinterés admirable.

She donated her services with admirable selflessness.

Positive 'selfless' meaning.

El desinterés por el pasado impide entender el presente.

Lack of interest in the past prevents understanding the present.

Subject clause + verb 'impedir'.

La apatía y el desinterés son los grandes males de nuestra era.

Apathy and lack of interest are the great evils of our era.

Using synonyms for rhetorical effect.

Su desinterés por la fama le permitió vivir una vida tranquila.

His lack of interest in fame allowed him to live a quiet life.

Indirect object 'le' referring to the subject.

El juez debe actuar con total desinterés en el caso.

The judge must act with total impartiality (disinterest) in the case.

Legal/Ethical sense of 'impartiality'.

El desinterés afectivo puede ser un mecanismo de defensa.

Affective lack of interest can be a defense mechanism.

Psychological terminology.

Existe un desinterés generalizado por los valores tradicionales.

There is a widespread lack of interest in traditional values.

Adjective 'generalizado'.

Su desinterés por los detalles técnicos casi arruina el proyecto.

His lack of interest in technical details almost ruined the project.

Adverb 'casi' modifying the verb.

La obra de arte refleja el desinterés del autor por la estética clásica.

The artwork reflects the author's lack of interest in classical aesthetics.

Verb 'reflejar' in an artistic context.

El desinterés por la verdad es el primer paso hacia la tiranía.

Lack of interest in the truth is the first step toward tyranny.

Philosophical/Political statement.

Ese desinterés soberano por el qué dirán es su mayor virtud.

That sovereign lack of interest in what people will say is his greatest virtue.

Use of 'soberano' as an intensifier.

La prosa del autor está teñida de un desinterés existencial profundo.

The author's prose is tinged with a deep existential lack of interest.

Metaphorical use of 'teñida' (tinged).

Su desinterés por las prebendas del poder lo alejó de la corte.

His lack of interest in the perks of power distanced him from the court.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('prebendas').

Bajo su máscara de desinterés, latía una pasión inconfesable.

Beneath his mask of lack of interest, an unconfessable passion throbbed.

Literary contrast.

El desinterés por lo mundano es requisito para la vida ascética.

Lack of interest in the mundane is a requirement for ascetic life.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Mostró un desinterés olímpico ante las críticas de la prensa.

He showed an 'olympic' (supreme) lack of interest toward the press's criticism.

Idiomatic use of 'olímpico'.

El desinterés por la propia vida es el núcleo del heroísmo trágico.

Lack of interest in one's own life is the core of tragic heroism.

Thematic analysis.

Su desinterés por el éxito comercial garantizó su integridad artística.

His lack of interest in commercial success guaranteed his artistic integrity.

Complex cause-effect in formal register.

Collocations courantes

mostrar desinterés

total desinterés

desinterés por la política

sentir desinterés

notar desinterés

fingir desinterés

absoluto desinterés

desinterés material

causar desinterés

desinterés manifiesto

Phrases Courantes

con desinterés

— Doing something without expecting anything in return or without caring.

Me ayudó con total desinterés.

por desinterés

— Because of a lack of interest.

Dejó la carrera por desinterés.

un desinterés absoluto

— Complete lack of interest.

Siento un desinterés absoluto por ese tema.

mostrar un claro desinterés

— To clearly show that one does not care.

El jefe mostró un claro desinterés por mi propuesta.

caer en el desinterés

— To become uninterested over time.

La relación cayó en el desinterés mutuo.

fruto del desinterés

— The result of a lack of interest.

El fracaso fue fruto del desinterés general.

desinterés por lo ajeno

— Lack of interest in other people's business.

Su desinterés por lo ajeno le evita muchos problemas.

con noble desinterés

— With honorable selflessness.

Sirvió a su país con noble desinterés.

un gesto de desinterés

— A sign or act of lack of interest.

Bostezar fue su primer gesto de desinterés.

vencer el desinterés

— To overcome the lack of interest.

Necesitamos estrategias para vencer el desinterés escolar.

Souvent confondu avec

desinterés vs desinteresado

This is the adjective. Use it to describe a person or an action, while 'desinterés' is the feeling or state itself.

desinterés vs indiferencia

Indiferencia is often more emotional and personal; desinterés is often about a topic or activity.

desinterés vs apatía

Apatía is a broader lack of energy, while desinterés can be very specific to one thing.

Expressions idiomatiques

"mostrar un desinterés olímpico"

— To show a supreme or absolute lack of interest, as if one were above the situation.

Ante los insultos, ella mostró un desinterés olímpico.

informal/ironic

"hacer algo por amor al arte"

— To do something for the sake of it, with complete desinterés for money.

Él pinta las paredes del barrio por amor al arte.

neutral

"no mover un dedo"

— To show such desinterés that one doesn't even help.

Vio que necesitaba ayuda y no movió un dedo por desinterés.

informal

"entrar por un oído y salir por el otro"

— To ignore something due to desinterés.

Mis consejos le entran por un oído y le salen por el otro.

informal

"importar un bledo"

— To not care at all (a vulgar/informal way to express desinterés).

Me importa un bledo lo que piensen.

slang

"mirar para otro lado"

— To ignore a problem due to desinterés or avoidance.

Las autoridades miraron para otro lado ante la crisis.

neutral

"dar la espalda"

— To turn one's back on something or someone, showing desinterés.

Le dio la espalda a su familia por puro desinterés.

neutral

"estar de vuelta de todo"

— To have seen it all and thus show a certain cynical desinterés.

A su edad, ya está de vuelta de todo y muestra desinterés por la fama.

informal

"hacer oídos sordos"

— To turn a deaf ear, showing desinterés in what is being said.

Hizo oídos sordos a mis advertencias.

neutral

"pasar de todo"

— To not care about anything at all.

Es un adolescente que pasa de todo, tiene un desinterés total.

slang

Facile à confondre

desinterés vs aburrimiento

Both involve not being engaged.

Aburrimiento is a temporary feeling of being bored. Desinterés is a lack of concern or motivation that can be permanent or ethical.

Siento aburrimiento en esta película, pero tengo desinterés por el cine en general.

desinterés vs desprecio

Both are negative reactions to something.

Desprecio is active hate or looking down on something. Desinterés is neutral; you just don't care.

No le tengo desprecio a la ópera, solo tengo desinterés.

desinterés vs negligencia

Both can lead to bad results in work.

Negligencia is the failure to take proper care. Desinterés is the lack of interest that might cause that failure.

Su desinterés por el trabajo lo llevó a cometer una negligencia grave.

desinterés vs desgano

Both mean not wanting to do something.

Desgano is more physical and informal (lack of 'gana'). Desinterés is more mental or formal.

Tengo desgano de cocinar hoy, pero mi desinterés por la cocina es de siempre.

desinterés vs imparcialidad

Both mean being unbiased.

Imparcialidad is specifically about being fair. Desinterés (in its positive sense) is about not having a personal stake.

El árbitro mostró imparcialidad y un total desinterés por quién ganara el dinero.

Structures de phrases

[Persona] tiene desinterés por [Algo].

Él tiene desinterés por el fútbol.

[Persona] mostró un [Adjetivo] desinterés por [Algo].

Ella mostró un claro desinterés por la propuesta.

A pesar de su desinterés, [Acción].

A pesar de su desinterés, terminó el trabajo.

El desinterés de [Sujeto] hacia [Objeto] es [Adjetivo].

El desinterés de los jóvenes hacia la tradición es notable.

Actuar con [Adjetivo] desinterés.

Debemos actuar con absoluto desinterés.

[Sustantivo] motivado por el desinterés de [Persona].

Un fracaso motivado por el desinterés de los socios.

No confundir [Concepto A] con el desinterés.

No confundir la prudencia con el desinterés.

Bajo una apariencia de desinterés, [Cláusula].

Bajo una apariencia de desinterés, ocultaba su miedo.

Famille de mots

Noms

interés

desinterés

Verbes

interesar

desinteresarse

Adjectifs

interesante

interesado

desinteresado

Apparenté

interesante

interés

desinteresado

interesado

desinteresadamente

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written press and formal speech; medium in daily casual conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'en' instead of 'por'. → Desinterés por la música.
While 'en' is used in English (interest in), Spanish prefers 'por' for the object of interest or lack thereof.
Confusing 'desinterés' (noun) with 'desinteresado' (adjective). → Él es desinteresado / Él tiene desinterés.
You cannot say 'Él es desinterés'. You must use the adjective to describe a person's character.
Forgetting the written accent. → desinterés
The accent is mandatory in the singular form because it's an 'aguda' word ending in 's'.
Thinking it only means 'boredom'. → Actuó con desinterés (selflessly).
Many learners miss the positive 'altruistic' meaning of the word in formal contexts.
Using it like a verb. → Me produce desinterés.
Some students try to say 'Yo desinterés', but you need a verb like 'sentir' or 'mostrar'.

Astuces

Don't forget the accent

The accent on the 'é' is vital. It marks the word as 'aguda' ending in 's'. Without it, the pronunciation would be wrong.

Two meanings

Always remember the two sides: lack of interest (boredom) and lack of personal interest (generosity).

Formal tone

Use 'desinterés' in essays instead of 'no me importa' to show a higher level of Spanish.

Use 'por'

Stick to 'desinterés por' to sound like a native speaker. It's the most common pairing.

Verb pairings

Learn 'mostrar desinterés'. It is the most common way to express that someone isn't interested.

Desinterés vs Apatía

Use 'apatía' for a deep, medical, or very heavy lack of feeling. Use 'desinterés' for general topics.

Be careful with people

Telling someone they show 'desinterés' can be quite hurtful in a personal context.

Desinteresado

Remember the adjective form! 'Un gesto desinteresado' is a very common and positive phrase.

Stress the end

Make sure the 'RES' at the end is the loudest and strongest part of the word.

The 'Des' rule

Think of other words with 'des-' like 'deshacer' or 'desaparecer' to remember it means 'the opposite'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Des-' as 'Destroy' and 'Interés' as 'Interest'. You have destroyed the interest! Now you have desinterés.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person looking at a gold bar and a piece of wood with the same blank expression. That is desinterés.

Word Web

interés apatía indiferencia altruismo desgano desapego generosidad aburrimiento

Défi

Try to use 'desinterés' in a sentence today to describe a movie you didn't like, and then use it to praise someone's kindness.

Origine du mot

From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (expressing negation or reversal) and the noun 'interés'. The root 'interés' comes from the Latin 'interesse', meaning 'to be between' or 'to make a difference'.

Sens originel : Originally, it meant the state of not having a 'difference' or 'stake' in a matter.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to sound too harsh; saying someone has 'desinterés' can be taken as a serious criticism of their character or effort.

English speakers often use 'boredom' where Spanish speakers might use 'desinterés'. The Spanish word sounds slightly more formal and intellectual.

Miguel de Unamuno often wrote about the 'desinterés' of the soul. The phrase 'noble desinterés' appears in many national anthems and patriotic speeches in Latin America. Don Quixote's actions are often described as having a 'loco desinterés' (crazy selflessness).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Education

desinterés escolar
falta de motivación
mostrar desinterés en clase
combatir el desinterés

Politics

desinterés de los votantes
apatía política
desinterés por lo público
abstención por desinterés

Relationships

desinterés amoroso
notar desinterés en la pareja
fingir desinterés
caer en el desinterés

Ethics/Charity

actuar con desinterés
ayuda desinteresada
noble desinterés
sin interés personal

Psychology

síntoma de desinterés
desinterés vital
apatía y desinterés
pérdida de interés

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que hay un desinterés general por la política en tu país?"

"¿Alguna vez has fingido desinterés por alguien que realmente te gustaba?"

"¿Qué temas te producen un desinterés absoluto y por qué?"

"¿Es posible ayudar a alguien con total desinterés, sin esperar nada?"

"¿Cómo podemos motivar a un estudiante que muestra mucho desinterés?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una situación en la que sentiste un gran desinterés por algo que antes te apasionaba.

Escribe sobre una persona que conozcas que actúe con noble desinterés por los demás.

¿Crees que el desinterés es una forma de protección emocional? Reflexiona sobre esto.

Analiza el desinterés de la sociedad actual hacia el medio ambiente.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre tener desinterés y ser una persona desinteresada.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No siempre. Aunque a menudo significa falta de motivación (negativo), también puede significar altruismo o generosidad (positivo), como en 'actuar con desinterés'.

El desinterés suele ser la falta de curiosidad por un tema. La indiferencia es una falta de sentimiento o reacción, a menudo más fría y personal.

Lo más correcto y natural en español es usar 'por' o 'hacia'. 'En' se entiende pero suena un poco influenciado por el inglés.

Sí, en singular siempre lleva tilde en la última 'e' (desinterés). En plural la pierde (desintereses).

No directamente. Debes decir 'Siento desinterés' o 'Me produce desinterés'. No puedes decir 'Estoy desinterés'.

Sí, es bastante común, especialmente en contextos de trabajo, estudios o al hablar de temas serios como la política.

Se dice 'desinteresado' (adjetivo). El sustantivo 'desinterés' se usa para la cualidad de ser 'selfless'.

Es un nombre masculino: el desinterés, un desinterés.

Es una expresión irónica para describir a alguien que ignora algo de forma total y superior, como si no le afectara nada.

El antónimo principal es 'interés'. Otros pueden ser 'entusiasmo', 'pasión' o 'curiosidad'.

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