indicador
“indicador” means “indicator” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
indicator
Also: gauge, pointer
📝 In Action
El desempleo es un indicador económico muy importante.
B1Unemployment is a very important economic indicator.
El indicador de la temperatura está subiendo.
A2The temperature gauge is going up.
Tu sonrisa es un indicador de que estás feliz.
B1Your smile is a sign that you are happy.
indicative
Also: indicating
📝 In Action
Hay luces indicadoras en el panel de control.
B2There are indicator lights on the control panel.
Ese gesto fue una señal indicadora de su cansancio.
C1That gesture was a sign indicative of his tiredness.
Buscamos una flecha indicadora del camino.
B2We are looking for an arrow indicating the way.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: indicador
Question 1 of 3
If you are looking at the gas dial in your car, what are you looking at?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'indicare', which combines 'in-' (towards) and 'dicare' (to proclaim or show). It literally means something that points the way.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'indicador' used for a car's turn signal?
While it technically 'indicates,' most Spanish speakers use 'el intermitente' or 'la luz de giro' for turn signals.
What's the difference between 'indicador' and 'índice'?
'Indicador' is the tool or sign that shows something. 'Índice' is usually the specific number or rate resulting from the measurement (like a price index).
Can I use 'indicador' to describe a person?
No, it is almost exclusively used for things, data, or signs. If a person points things out, you would call them an 'informador' or just say 'la persona que indica'.