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seña

SEH-nyahˈseɲa

“seña” means “sign” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sign, signal

Also: gesture, trace
NounfA2
A person waving their hand vigorously to get someone's attention.

📝 In Action

Mi amigo me hizo una seña desde lejos.

A2

My friend waved to me from a distance.

Ellos se comunican por señas.

B1

They communicate through signs/gestures.

No hay ni seña de la lluvia hoy.

B2

There isn't even a sign of rain today.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gesto (gesture)
  • señal (signal)

Common Collocations

  • hacer señas – to gesture/to signal
  • lengua de señas – sign language
  • por señas – by using gestures

Idioms & Expressions

  • ni señas – absolutely no trace or news of something

address, details

Also: directions
NounfB1
Latin America
A small red house with a white fence and a mailbox out front.

📝 In Action

¿Me puedes dar tus señas?

B1

Can you give me your address/contact details?

Le di las señas exactas de la casa.

B1

I gave him the exact directions/details of the house.

El testigo dio las señas del sospechoso.

B2

The witness gave the description of the suspect.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dirección (address)
  • datos (data/details)

Common Collocations

  • señas particulares – distinguishing features/physical marks
  • dar las señas – to give directions or details

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "seña" in Spanish:

details→directions→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: seña

Question 1 of 3

How would you ask someone for their home address using 'seña'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
señalar(to point out / to signal) — Verb
señal(signal / sign) — Noun
señalamiento(signage / marking) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
peñaenseñadueña
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'signa', which is the plural of 'signum' (a mark or sign). Over time, it shifted from meaning a physical mark to including gestures and specific identifiers like an address.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: signFrench: signe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'seña' for a stop sign?

No, for road signs or physical placards, use 'señal' (señal de tráfico).

Is 'seña' informal?

It is neutral. However, using 'señas' for an address is slightly more conversational than using the formal word 'dirección'.

Does it mean the same as 'señal'?

They overlap, but 'seña' is usually a human gesture or a descriptive detail, while 'señal' is usually a physical or electronic sign/signal.