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How to Say "advertisement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “advertisement” is “anuncio” — use 'anuncio' for a general advertisement, commercial, or announcement, especially in media like TV, radio, or online..

English → Spanish

anuncio

ah-NOON-syoh/aˈnunθjo/

nounA1commercial, publicity
Use 'anuncio' for a general advertisement, commercial, or announcement, especially in media like TV, radio, or online.
A cheerful cartoon person pointing at a large billboard displaying a single red apple, representing an advertisement.

Examples

El anuncio de televisión era muy gracioso, pero caro.

The TV advertisement was very funny, but expensive.

Hay demasiados anuncios pop-up en esta página web.

There are too many pop-up ads on this website.

Vimos un anuncio de trabajo para un nuevo programador.

We saw a job listing for a new programmer.

Always Masculine

Even though many words ending in '-o' are masculine, remember that 'anuncio' always uses the masculine article: el anuncio.

Confusing 'Anuncio' and 'Aviso'

Mistake: “Using 'aviso' when you mean a commercial promotion.”

Correction: 'Anuncio' is specifically a commercial or public promotion. 'Aviso' usually means a simple warning or written notice.

aviso

ah-VEE-soh/aˈβiso/

nounA1a public notice, especially in classifieds
Use 'aviso' primarily for a public notice or classified ad, like a job posting or a message on a community board.
A blank square piece of paper fixed with a red thumbtack onto a simple wooden bulletin board, representing a posted announcement.

Examples

Puso un aviso en el tablón de la escuela.

He put a notice on the school bulletin board.

Recibimos un aviso por correo electrónico sobre la reunión.

We received an announcement via email about the meeting.

Busco un piso, ¿viste algún aviso de alquiler?

I'm looking for an apartment, did you see any rental ads (notices)?

Masculine Gender

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'aviso' is always masculine, so use 'el aviso' or 'un aviso' when referring to it.

propaganda

/pro-pah-GAHN-dah//pɾopaˈɡanda/

nounA2commercial or marketing material
Choose 'propaganda' when referring to marketing or commercial material intended to promote a product, service, or idea, often with a persuasive intent.
A colorful billboard on a city street showing a refreshing glass of orange juice next to a bright orange fruit.

Examples

Vi una propaganda muy buena sobre ese perfume.

I saw a very good advertisement for that perfume.

Hay demasiada propaganda durante el partido de fútbol.

There are too many commercials during the soccer game.

Me dieron una propaganda de la nueva pizzería en la calle.

They gave me a flyer (advertisement) for the new pizzeria on the street.

Gender of the word

This word is feminine, so you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la propaganda' or 'mucha propaganda'.

The 'False Friend' trap

Mistake: “Thinking 'propaganda' only means political brainwashing.”

Correction: In Spanish, especially in Latin America, it is the standard word for any commercial or TV ad. Don't be afraid to use it for simple things like pizza ads!

publicidad

/poob-lee-see-dad//puβliθiˈðað/

nounA2A specific piece of promotional material
Use 'publicidad' to refer to advertising as a concept or industry, or sometimes for a specific piece of promotional content, though 'anuncio' is more common for the latter.
A friendly cartoon character standing next to a large, simple poster displaying a single, bright red apple, demonstrating product promotion.

Examples

La publicidad en redes sociales es muy efectiva hoy en día.

Advertising on social media is very effective nowadays.

Queremos contratar una agencia de publicidad para el nuevo producto.

We want to hire an advertising agency for the new product.

Hay demasiada publicidad durante las películas.

There is too much advertising during the movies.

Always Feminine

Since 'publicidad' ends in -dad, like most words with this ending, it is always feminine. Use 'la publicidad' or 'mucha publicidad'.

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “El publicidad es molesto.”

Correction: La publicidad es molesta. (Remember the -dad ending signals feminine gender.)

Anuncio vs. Publicidad

Learners often confuse 'anuncio' and 'publicidad.' 'Anuncio' is generally used for a single, specific ad (like a TV spot or online banner), while 'publicidad' refers more broadly to advertising as a concept or the industry itself.

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