Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Neglect in Spanish: Negligencia & Descuido
Negligencia · noun (feminine) · neh-glee-HEHN-syah
The Spanish word for neglect is 'negligencia,' referring to a failure to give proper care or attention to something or someone. A closely related term, 'descuido,' emphasizes carelessness or an oversight, while 'abandono' is used when neglect reaches the level of complete abandonment.
Pronounce 'negligencia' as neh-glee-HEHN-syah, stressing the fourth syllable. The 'g' before 'e' makes an 'h' sound in Spanish.
La negligencia del propietario causó daños en el edificio.
The owner's neglect caused damage to the building.
Neglect in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for neglect, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| negligencia | neglect | neh-glee-HEHN-syah | Default, widely understood |
| descuido | neglect | general carelessness or oversight | |
| abandono | neglect | used when neglect implies abandonment |
How Native Speakers Use Negligencia
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Legal context
El abogado demostró que hubo negligencia médica.
The lawyer proved there was medical neglect.
Discussing a legal case involving malpractice.
Home maintenance
El descuido de la casa provocó una plaga de termitas.
The neglect of the house caused a termite infestation.
Explaining consequences of not maintaining a property.
Parenting discussion
No debemos confundir dar libertad con abandono.
We should not confuse giving freedom with neglect.
Talking about parenting approaches.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Negligencia
Using the English verb form directly
Incorrect: Él neglecta a sus hijos.
Correct: Él descuida a sus hijos.
The verb form of neglect in Spanish is 'descuidar' or 'desatender,' not a Spanishized version of the English word.
Confusing 'negligencia' with 'negación'
Incorrect: Su negación de las plantas hizo que murieran.
Correct: Su negligencia con las plantas hizo que murieran.
'Negación' means denial or refusal, while 'negligencia' means neglect or lack of care, which are two distinct concepts.
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See Negligencia used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Neglect in Spanish
- How do you say 'to neglect' as a verb in Spanish?
- The verb forms are 'descuidar' for general neglect and 'desatender' for failing to attend to duties, as in 'no debes descuidar tu salud' (you shouldn't neglect your health).
- Is 'negligencia' used in everyday speech or mainly in legal contexts?
- While 'negligencia' appears frequently in legal and formal contexts, everyday speakers tend to prefer 'descuido' for casual situations, reserving 'negligencia' for more serious matters.
- What is the difference between 'descuido' and 'abandono'?
- The word 'descuido' implies carelessness or a temporary lapse in attention, whereas 'abandono' suggests a complete and prolonged failure to care for someone or something.