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How to Say "hint" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pista

/PEES-tah//ˈpis.ta/

NounA2General
Use 'pista' when you need help or a clue to solve a problem, game, or question.
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.

sugerencia

soo-heh-REN-see-ah/su.xeˈɾen.sja/

NounB1General
Choose 'sugerencia' for a gentle or indirect proposal, idea, or advice.
A storybook illustration showing a character holding a glowing lightbulb, presenting it forward to another character, symbolizing offering an idea or suggestion.

Examples

Tengo una sugerencia para el menú de la cena.

I have a suggestion for the dinner menu.

Aceptamos cualquier sugerencia para mejorar nuestro servicio al cliente.

We accept any suggestion to improve our customer service.

La mejor sugerencia vino del miembro más joven del equipo.

The best recommendation came from the youngest member of the team.

Using 'Sugerencia'

Since 'sugerencia' is the result of the action, you commonly use verbs like hacer (to make) or dar (to give) with it: Hice una sugerencia.

Gender Reminder

Remember that this word is feminine, so you must use feminine words with it: La sugerencia or una buena sugerencia.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “I suggested a suggestion (Yo sugerí una sugerencia).”

Correction: Use the verb *sugerir* (to suggest) or the noun *sugerencia* (suggestion), but not both unnecessarily. Say: *Hice una sugerencia* or *Yo sugerí una idea*.

olor

oh-LOHR/oˈlor/

NounB2General
Use 'olor' to indicate a subtle trace or abstract suggestion, often of something negative or atmospheric.
An illustration showing a single, tiny, golden feather resting alone on the floor in the far corner of a large, empty, pale blue room, symbolizing a subtle trace or hint.

Examples

Había olor a traición en su discurso.

There was a hint of betrayal in his speech.

Esa empresa siempre ha tenido olor a corrupción.

That company has always had a trace of corruption (a bad reputation for corruption).

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'olor' often precedes 'a' plus an abstract noun (e.g., 'olor a peligro' = hint of danger).

sombra

/SOM-brah//ˈsom.bɾa/

NounB2General
Employ 'sombra' when referring to a very faint trace or almost imperceptible suggestion of something that has largely disappeared.
A clear glass jar that is nearly empty, showing only a small trace of bright red sand remaining at the bottom.

Examples

No queda ni la sombra de lo que fue antes.

There is not even a trace of what it once was.

Tenía la sombra de la duda en su voz.

He had a hint of doubt in his voice.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'sombra' often refers to something intangible, like a feeling, memory, or a slight presence.

Confusing Clues with Abstract Traces

Learners often confuse 'pista' (a clue for a puzzle or game) with 'olor' or 'sombra' (abstract traces or suggestions). Remember that 'pista' is concrete help, while 'olor' and 'sombra' describe faint, often figurative, presences.

Related Translations

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