señales
/seh-NYAH-lehs/
signs
This illustration shows different kinds of signs (señales), like road signs.
señales(noun)
signs
?road signs, warning signs
,signals
?electronic signals, communication
marks
?physical marks or indications
,warnings
?premonitions or alerts
📝 In Action
Hay muchas señales de tráfico en esta calle.
A1There are many traffic signs on this street.
Las señales de humo eran una forma antigua de comunicación.
A2Smoke signals were an old form of communication.
Vimos señales de que el animal había pasado por aquí.
B1We saw signs that the animal had passed through here.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'señal' (the singular) is a feminine word, so when it becomes plural 'señales', you still use feminine words with it, like 'las señales'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Abstract
'Señales' works for both physical objects (like road signs) and abstract concepts (like signs of recovery or economic signals).
The verb form señales means 'you signal' or 'you point out'.
señales(verb)
you signal
?present subjunctive 'tú' form
,you point out
?present subjunctive 'tú' form
you indicate
?present subjunctive 'tú' form
📝 In Action
Espero que no señales mi error delante de todos.
B1I hope that you don't point out my mistake in front of everyone.
Si ves peligro, quiero que señales la salida.
B1If you see danger, I want you to signal the exit.
No señales con el dedo, es de mala educación.
B2Don't point with your finger, it's bad manners. (Negative command)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Use
This form ('señales') is used when you are talking about someone else's desire, doubt, or emotion regarding the action: 'Dudo que señales el camino correcto' (I doubt that you point out the right path).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Negative Commands
Mistake: "No señalas eso."
Correction: No señales eso. (For negative commands, like 'Don't do that,' Spanish uses this special verb form, not the normal present tense.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Affirmative vs. Negative
Be careful: the affirmative command (Do signal!) is '¡Señala!', but the negative command (Don't signal!) is '¡No señales!'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: señales
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'señales' as a conjugated verb?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'señales' always feminine?
Yes, when used as a noun meaning 'signs' or 'signals', it is always feminine because its singular form, 'la señal,' is feminine.
How do I know if 'señales' is the noun or the verb?
Look at the words around it! If it's preceded by 'las' or 'unas' (feminine articles), it's the noun ('las señales'). If it follows a trigger phrase like 'Quiero que...' or 'Es importante que...' or is used as a negative command ('No señales'), it is the conjugated verb form.