signo
/síng-no/
sign
Signo meaning 'mark' or 'symbol', like the warning symbol on this sign.
📝 In Action
Siempre olvido dónde va el signo de interrogación.
A2I always forget where the question mark goes.
El signo de suma es un más (+).
A1The addition sign is a plus (+).
Necesitas añadir un signo de exclamación al final de esa frase.
B1You need to add an exclamation mark at the end of that sentence.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'signo' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el signo' or 'un signo'.
Signo can mean an 'indication' or 'evidence', such as smoke being a sign of fire.
signo(noun)
sign
?indication, evidence
,trace
?small amount of evidence
indication
?signal of a future event
,symptom
?medical or emotional sign
📝 In Action
La lluvia de esta mañana es un signo de que el verano ha terminado.
B1This morning's rain is a sign that summer has ended.
No muestra ningún signo de mejora después de la enfermedad.
B2He doesn't show any sign of improvement after the illness.
Vieron signos de vida antigua en las ruinas.
C1They saw traces of ancient life in the ruins.
💡 Grammar Points
Signo vs. Señal
'Signo' often refers to a physical mark or an abstract indication (like a symptom). 'Señal' usually refers to a definite signal, like a traffic light or a gesture.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Preposition
To talk about signs of something, use the preposition 'de': 'signos de fatiga' (signs of fatigue).
The word signo is used when referring to a 'zodiacal or astrological sign'.
📝 In Action
Mi signo zodiacal es Leo. ¿Y el tuyo?
B2My zodiac sign is Leo. And yours?
Dicen que las personas de ese signo son muy tercas.
B2They say that people of that sign are very stubborn.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking about Star Signs
The most natural way to ask someone's star sign is '¿Cuál es tu signo?' (What is your sign?)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: signo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'signo' to mean a mark used in writing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'signo' the same as 'señal'?
They are very similar! 'Signo' usually refers to a mark, symbol, or an abstract indication (like a symptom). 'Señal' often refers to something more intentional, like a traffic signal, a hand gesture, or a radio wave.
How do I ask someone's star sign in Spanish?
The simplest and most common way is: '¿Cuál es tu signo zodiacal?' or just '¿Cuál es tu signo?'