Inklingo

How to Say "advertisement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “advertisement” is “anuncio” — use 'anuncio' for a general advertisement, commercial, or public announcement, such as a TV ad, radio spot, or printed flyer.

anuncio🔊A1

Use 'anuncio' for a general advertisement, commercial, or public announcement, such as a TV ad, radio spot, or printed flyer.

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aviso🔊A1

Use 'aviso' for a public notice, especially one posted in a specific location or found in classified sections, like a job posting or a lost-and-found notice.

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publicidad🔊A2

Use 'publicidad' when referring to advertising as a general concept or industry, or sometimes for a specific piece of promotional material, though 'anuncio' is often preferred for the latter.

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propaganda🔊A2

Use 'propaganda' for commercial or marketing material, often implying a persuasive message, similar to 'publicidad' but can sometimes carry a slightly more political or ideological connotation.

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reclamo🔊B2

Use 'reclamo' to refer to a marketing tactic, a gimmick, or a special offer designed to attract customers, focusing on the 'draw' or 'appeal' of the advertisement.

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English → Spanish

anuncio

ah-NOON-syohaˈnunθjo

nounA1general
Use 'anuncio' for a general advertisement, commercial, or public announcement, such as a TV ad, radio spot, or printed flyer.
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-sohaˈβiso

nounA1general
Use 'aviso' for a public notice, especially one posted in a specific location or found in classified sections, like a job posting or a lost-and-found notice.
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.

publicidad

poob-lee-see-dadpuβliθiˈðað

nounA2general
Use 'publicidad' when referring to advertising as a general concept or industry, or sometimes for a specific piece of promotional material, though 'anuncio' is often preferred 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.)

propaganda

pro-pah-GAHN-dahpɾopaˈɡanda

nounA2general
Use 'propaganda' for commercial or marketing material, often implying a persuasive message, similar to 'publicidad' but can sometimes carry a slightly more political or ideological connotation.
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!

reclamo

reh-KLAH-mohreˈklamo

nounB2marketing
Use 'reclamo' to refer to a marketing tactic, a gimmick, or a special offer designed to attract customers, focusing on the 'draw' or 'appeal' of the advertisement.
A bright red wooden bird whistle sitting on a forest floor.

Examples

El descuento del 50% fue un gran reclamo para los clientes.

The 50% discount was a great draw for customers.

El cazador usó un reclamo para atraer a los patos.

The hunter used a decoy/call to attract the ducks.

Ese cartel publicitario sirve como reclamo visual.

That billboard serves as a visual lure.

Using 'Reclamo' for People

You can use this to describe something that 'calls' to people's attention, like a bright sign or a low price.

Confusion with 'Anuncio'

Mistake: “Saying 'el reclamo' when you just mean a regular TV commercial.”

Correction: Use 'anuncio' for the ad itself; use 'reclamo' for the specific element inside the ad that catches the eye.

Anuncio vs. Aviso

Learners often confuse 'anuncio' and 'aviso'. Remember that 'anuncio' is the general term for any advertisement or commercial, while 'aviso' is typically a more formal notice, like a classified ad or a public announcement posted somewhere specific.

Related Translations

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