señal
/sen-YAL/
sign
Señal used as a physical sign, such as a traffic sign.
señal(Noun)
sign
?a physical object that gives information, like a traffic sign
,signal
?an electronic wave, like for a phone, TV, or radio
indication
?a sign of something happening
,marker
?something that marks a spot
📝 In Action
Sigue las señales para llegar al centro.
A2Follow the signs to get to the center.
No tengo buena señal aquí, la llamada se corta.
A2I don't have a good signal here, the call is cutting out.
La fiebre es una señal de que estás enfermo.
B1A fever is a sign that you are sick.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine: 'la señal'
Even though it doesn't end in '-a', 'señal' is a feminine word. So, always say 'la señal' (the sign) or 'una señal' (a sign).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'signo' for a traffic sign
Mistake: "Mira el signo de stop."
Correction: Mira la señal de stop. Use 'señal' for physical signs like traffic signs. 'Signo' is more for abstract symbols, like a zodiac sign ('signo del zodiaco').
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical or Electronic
This is your go-to word for almost any kind of sign or signal you can see or receive, from a street sign to your Wi-Fi signal.
Señal used for a gesture or movement that communicates a meaning.
señal(Noun)
signal
?a gesture or movement with a meaning
,cue
?a sign for someone to do something
gesture
?a motion of the hands or body
📝 In Action
El director de orquesta dio la señal para empezar.
B1The conductor gave the signal to begin.
Me hizo una señal con la mano para que me acercara.
B1He made a signal with his hand for me to come closer.
Cuando te dé la señal, enciende las luces.
B2When I give you the cue, turn on the lights.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Hacer' vs. 'Dar'
Use 'hacer una señal' when you're talking about making a gesture yourself. Use 'dar la señal' when you're giving a cue for someone else to start an action.
Señal referring to a deposit or down payment (money given to reserve something).
señal(Noun)
down payment
?initial payment for a large purchase
,deposit
?money paid to reserve something
advance
?an advance payment
📝 In Action
Para reservar el coche, tienes que dejar una señal de 200 euros.
B2To reserve the car, you have to leave a deposit of 200 euros.
Dimos una señal al propietario para asegurar el alquiler del piso.
B2We gave the owner a down payment to secure the rental of the apartment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Money to Hold Your Spot
Think of this 'señal' as a financial sign that you're serious. It's the money you put down to show you intend to complete a purchase or rental.
Señal used to describe a visible mark or trace left on a surface.
señal(Noun)
mark
?a visible trace on a surface
,trace
?evidence that something existed or happened
scar
?a permanent mark on the skin
📝 In Action
La cicatriz en su brazo es una señal de su operación.
B2The scar on his arm is a mark from his surgery.
El vaso dejó una señal en la mesa de madera.
B1The glass left a mark on the wooden table.
Las ruinas son una señal de una antigua civilización.
C1The ruins are a trace of an ancient civilization.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Mark Left Behind
This meaning of 'señal' focuses on the physical evidence something leaves behind, whether it's a scar, a water ring on a table, or historical ruins.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: señal
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'señal' to mean a down payment or deposit?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'señal' and 'signo'?
Great question! Think of 'señal' as a practical, physical sign that gives you information (like a traffic sign, a TV signal, or a gesture). 'Signo' is more abstract or symbolic, like a zodiac sign ('signo del zodiaco'), a plus sign ('signo de más'), or a symbol in writing.
Is 'señal' always feminine?
Yes, it is! Even though it ends in '-l', it's one of those words you just have to remember is feminine. So it's always 'la señal' or 'una señal'.