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indicio

een-DEE-syoh/inˈdi.sjo/

sign

Also: hint, indication
NounmB2
Large animal footprints in soft mud leading towards the forest.

📝 In Action

No hay ningún indicio de que la situación vaya a cambiar pronto.

B2

There is no sign that the situation is going to change soon.

Su nerviosismo era un claro indicio de que algo andaba mal.

B2

His nervousness was a clear sign that something was wrong.

Las nubes oscuras son un indicio de lluvia.

A2

Dark clouds are a sign of rain.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • señal (sign/signal)
  • rastro (trace/trail)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • indicio claro – clear sign
  • sin dejar indicio – without leaving a trace

clue

Also: circumstantial evidence, trace
NounmC1formal
A single shiny gold key lying on a dark wooden floor.

📝 In Action

La policía encontró indicios de ADN en la habitación.

B2

The police found traces of DNA in the room.

Existen indicios suficientes para iniciar un juicio.

C1

There is sufficient circumstantial evidence to start a trial.

Buscaban cualquier indicio que los llevara al culpable.

B2

They were looking for any clue that would lead them to the culprit.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • indicios racionales – reasonable grounds/evidence
  • hallar indicios – to find clues

Idioms & Expressions

  • mínimo indicio – the slightest hint or smallest trace

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "indicio" in Spanish:

circumstantial evidence→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: indicio

Question 1 of 3

If a detective finds a fingerprint that suggests someone was in a room, that fingerprint is a/an:

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
indicar(to indicate) — Verb
indicación(indication/direction) — Noun
indicativo(indicative) — Adjective
índice(index/pointer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'indicium', which means a sign, notice, or information. This comes from 'indicare', which means 'to point out'—the same root that gives us 'index' (the finger you use for pointing).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: indiciaPortuguese: indícioItalian: indizio

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'indicio' and 'pista'?

They are very similar! 'Pista' is more common when talking about games or mystery novels (like 'follow the clues'). 'Indicio' is a bit more formal and is used more often in science, law, or serious news.

Is 'indicio' a common word in daily conversation?

Not really. In casual talk, people usually say 'señal' or 'pinta' (e.g., 'tiene mala pinta' - it looks bad). You'll hear 'indicio' mostly on the news or in books.

Can 'indicio' be feminine?

No, it is strictly masculine ('el indicio').