25+ Ways To Say 'Other' In Spanish: The Ultimate Guide To Otro, Demás, And Beyond
Contents
The Four Core Translations: Otro, Demás, Distinto, and Más
The English word "other" functions as an adjective, pronoun, or adverb, and its Spanish translation shifts drastically depending on its role and the specific meaning you want to convey.1. Otro/Otra/Otros/Otras: The Indefinite Adjective and Pronoun
The most common translation for "other" or "another" is *otro*. It is an indefinite adjective, meaning it modifies a noun, and it must agree in both gender and number. Crucially, *otro* already means "another," so you should never use the indefinite article *un/una* before it (e.g., you would never say *un otro libro*).The Four Forms:
- Otro (Masculine Singular): *¿Hay otro café?* (Is there another coffee?)
- Otra (Feminine Singular): *Quiero otra cerveza.* (I want another beer.)
- Otros (Masculine Plural): *Hay otros problemas.* (There are other problems.)
- Otras (Feminine Plural): *Las otras mesas están ocupadas.* (The other tables are occupied.)
Usage Nuances with Otro:
- Another thing: *otra cosa* (We need to talk about another thing.)
- The other day: *el otro día* (I saw her the other day.)
- The other way: *la otra manera* or *el otro camino* (Is there another way?)
2. Demás: The Collective 'The Others' or 'The Rest'
When you want to refer to "the rest" or "the remaining ones" from a previously mentioned group, you use *demás*. This word is almost always used with the definite articles *los* or *las*.Key Differences from Otro:
- *Demás* is primarily used for plural groups.
- It acts as a pronoun or an adjective, but always implies "the rest of..." or "the remaining."
- The others (people): *Los demás* or *las demás* (Where are the others?)
- The rest (things): *Lo demás* (What about the rest?)
- Other people: *Las demás personas* (The other people/The rest of the people).
Example: *Tengo dos manzanas. Una es para mí y las demás son para ti.* (I have two apples. One is for me and the others/the rest are for you.)
3. Distinto/a/os/as: When 'Other' Means 'Different'
If "other" means "different" or "separate," the correct word is *distinto*. Like *otro*, it must agree in gender and number.Example: *Ella tiene una opinión distinta.* (She has a different/other opinion.)
Mastering Essential LSI Phrases for Conversational Flow
Achieving fluency requires moving beyond single-word translations and incorporating natural, multi-word phrases. Here are over 15 high-frequency phrases that use the concept of "other," providing you with strong topical authority.Phrases for Contrast and Exception
These phrases are crucial for expressing contrasting ideas or making exceptions in a sentence. They serve as excellent LSI keywords that native speakers use constantly.- On the other hand: *Por otro lado* or *Por otra parte*. (E.g., *Por otro lado, la comida es excelente.*)
- Other than / Aside from: *Aparte de* or *Salvo*. (E.g., *Aparte de su trabajo, no hace nada.*)
- Other than that: *Aparte de eso*.
- In other words: *En otras palabras*.
- The other way around: *Al revés*. (E.g., *No es así, es al revés.*)
- Any other: *Algún otro* (masculine) or *Alguna otra* (feminine). (E.g., *¿Tienes alguna otra pregunta?*)
Phrases for Reciprocity and Location
When two or more subjects are performing an action on one another, you need a reciprocal construction. Similarly, talking about location requires specific prepositions.Reciprocal Action: 'Each Other'
The most common way to say "each other" is by using the reciprocal pronoun *se* (for *ellos*, *ellas*, and *ustedes*) or *nos* (for *nosotros*).- They help each other: *Se ayudan*. (The simplest form.)
- We love each other: *Nos amamos*.
- More formal/emphasis: *El uno al otro* (masculine) or *La una a la otra* (feminine). (E.g., *Se miraron el uno al otro.*)
Location and Direction
The word *lado* (side) is essential here, and it is masculine.- The other side: *El otro lado*.
- To the other side: *Al otro lado* or *A través de*.
- On the other side of: *En el otro lado de*.
- From the other side: *Desde el otro lado*.
Common Pitfalls and Advanced Usage
Understanding a few common mistakes and more advanced applications will solidify your command of "other" in Spanish.1. Do Not Use 'Un/Una' with Otro
This is the most frequent mistake for English speakers. In Spanish, *otro* already contains the meaning of "another" or "a different one."Incorrect: *Quiero una otra taza de té.*
Correct: *Quiero otra taza de té.* (I want another cup of tea.)
2. The Use of 'Más'
In some contexts, "other" can be translated as *más* (more/additional), particularly when referring to an additional quantity.- One other egg: *Un huevo más* (We need one other/additional egg.)
- Anything else/other: *Algo más* (Do you want anything else?)
3. Using 'Cualquier Otro' (Any Other)
To express "any other" in a less specific or hypothetical sense, the phrase *cualquier otro* (or *cualquier otra*) is used.- *Cualquier otra persona lo haría.* (Any other person would do it.)
- *No es cualquier otro problema.* (It's not just any other problem.)
4. The Adjective 'Diferente'
While *distinto* is often the better translation for "different," *diferente* is also a perfectly valid and common alternative for "other" in the sense of "not the same."- *Hay siete personajes diferentes y muchas otras cosas interesantes.* (There are seven different characters and many other interesting things.)
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