distraen

Distraen is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb distraer. Distraer means to divert, draw away attention, or to amuse and occupy someone. In use, distraer commonly refers to shifting attention from a task, problem, or concern, though it can also mean to entertain, as in “un juego que distrae a los niños.” The sense with people rather than objects is often “to distract.”

Etymology and nuances: the verb comes from Latin distractus, from distrahere, meaning to draw apart or away (dis- + trahere). In Spanish, distraer has developed senses related to both diverting attention and providing entertainment, with occasional nuance depending on context.

Conjugation notes: distraer is irregular in the first person singular present: yo distraigo. The present tense forms are: yo distraigo, tú distraes, él distrae, nosotros distraemos, vosotros distraéis, ellos distraen. The reflexive form distraerse exists as well: me distraigo, te distraes, se distrae, nos distraemos, os distraéis, se distraen.

Usage tips: distraer is often contrasted with desviar la atención (to divert attention) or interrumpir (to interrupt) when the aim is to prevent focus on a task. In some contexts, distraer also means to entertain or occupy someone, especially to pass the time.

Examples: “Los anuncios distraen a los conductores.” “La música distrae a los niños durante la pausa.” “Me distraigo leyendo para olvidar el estrés.”