Tell apart Meaning in English
expression
ˈtɛɫ/ /əˈpɑɹt
TEL-uh-PART
tˈɛl/ /ɐpˈɑːt
TEL-uh-PAHT
Definition
To recognize the differences between two or more similar things, so you can identify each one.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for objects or people that look very similar, like twins or identical products. Usually followed by the objects being compared ('I can't tell these twins apart'). Informal, but used in both spoken and written English.
Spanish: distinguir - diferenciarPortuguese (BR): distinguir - diferenciarPortuguese (PT): distinguir - diferenciarChinese (Simplified): 区分 - 分辨Chinese (Traditional): 區分 - 分辨Hindi: फरक बता पाना - अलग पहचाननाArabic: تمييز بين - التفريق بينBengali: ভেদ করা - আলাদা করাRussian: различать - отличатьJapanese: 見分けるVietnamese: phân biệtKorean: 구별하다Turkish: ayırt etmekUrdu: فرق کرنا - تمیز کرناIndonesian: membedakan
Example Sentences
It's hard to tell apart the two puppies.
basic
Can you tell apart these colors?
basic
She can easily tell apart her twin sons.
basic
Honestly, I can't tell apart Coke and Pepsi.
natural
After a while, you'll be able to tell apart their voices.
natural
Their uniforms are so similar, it's almost impossible to tell them apart.
natural