Inklingo

How to Say "clue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clue” is “pista” — use this word when you need a hint or a piece of information to help solve a puzzle, mystery, or even a problem.

English → Spanish

pista

PEES-tahˈpis.ta

nounA2general
Use this word when you need a hint or a piece of information to help solve a puzzle, mystery, or even a problem.
A magnifying glass hovering over a distinct, muddy footprint on a wooden floor, representing a clue.

Examples

No sé la respuesta, ¿puedes darme una pista?

I don't know the answer, can you give me a hint?

La policía no tiene pistas sobre el robo.

The police have no leads on the robbery.

Seguimos la pista de las huellas en la nieve.

We followed the trail of the footprints in the snow.

clave

KLAH-vehˈklaβe

nounB1general
This word translates to 'key' and is used when referring to the essential element or solution needed to understand or resolve something complex.
A brass key turning in a simple, oversized keyhole, representing the solution to a problem.

Examples

La clave para resolver este problema es la paciencia.

The key to solving this problem is patience.

Su testimonio fue la clave del caso.

His testimony was the key to the case.

idea

ee-DEH-ahiˈðe.a

nounB1general
While it means 'idea', it's very commonly used in the negative ('no tengo idea') to express a complete lack of understanding or knowledge about something.
A vast, swirling cloud of indistinct gray mist or fog that obscures everything behind it, representing a vague notion or lack of clarity.

Examples

No tengo ni la más remota idea de lo que hablas.

I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.

Me da la idea de que no está contento.

I get the impression that he is not happy.

Para que te hagas una idea, es tan grande como un coche.

To give you an idea, it's as big as a car.

indicio

een-DEE-syohinˈdi.sjo

nounC1formal
Use this word when referring to a specific piece of evidence or a trace that suggests guilt or points towards a conclusion, often in a formal investigation.
A single shiny gold key lying on a dark wooden floor.

Examples

La policía encontró indicios de ADN en la habitación.

The police found traces of DNA in the room.

Existen indicios suficientes para iniciar un juicio.

There is sufficient circumstantial evidence to start a trial.

Buscaban cualquier indicio que los llevara al culpable.

They were looking for any clue that would lead them to the culprit.

Using with 'de'

To say what the clue is about, follow it with 'de'. For example: 'indicio de culpabilidad' (sign of guilt).

Evidence vs. Proof

Mistake: “Thinking 'indicio' means absolute proof.”

Correction: In legal Spanish, an 'indicio' is a clue or suggestion, while a 'prueba' is solid proof. Don't use 'indicio' if the matter is already proven 100%.

Pista vs. Clave

Learners often confuse 'pista' and 'clave'. Remember that 'pista' is more like a 'hint' or 'lead' in a mystery, while 'clave' is the 'key' or essential solution to a problem or situation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.