Inklingo

How to Say "icon" in Spanish

English → Spanish

botón

nounA1general
Use 'botón' when referring to a physical or digital button on a device or interface that you press or click to activate a function.

Examples

Pulsa el botón de encendido para iniciar la computadora.

Press the power button to start the computer.

icono

ee-KOH-nohiˈkono

nounA1computing, general
Use 'icono' for a graphical symbol or image, especially in computing, that represents a file, program, or concept.
A colorful illustration of a stylized house icon, representing a home button on a digital interface.

Examples

Haz doble clic en el icono para abrir el programa.

Double-click the icon to open the program.

Ella es un icono de la moda en todo el mundo.

She is a fashion icon all over the world.

El museo tiene una colección de iconos religiosos antiguos.

The museum has a collection of ancient religious icons.

Gender remains masculine

The word 'icono' is always masculine ('el icono'), even if you are using it to describe a woman (e.g., 'Ella es un icono').

Plural form

To make it plural, just add an -s: 'los iconos'.

The 'Icono' vs 'Ícono' confusion

Mistake:Thinking 'ícono' is always wrong.

Correction: In Spain, 'icono' (no accent) is preferred. In Latin America, 'ícono' (with an accent) is more common. Both are accepted by the official Spanish language academy.

leyenda

leh-YEHN-dahleˈʝen̪.da

nounB1general
Use 'leyenda' to describe a person who is extremely famous and admired, especially in sports or entertainment, for their past achievements.
An elderly, wise-looking musician standing on a stage, holding a violin, bowing slightly as colorful flowers are thrown towards the stage, symbolizing a respected figure.

Examples

Diego Maradona es una leyenda del fútbol argentino.

Diego Maradona is a legend of Argentine soccer.

La actriz se retiró después de convertirse en una leyenda viva.

The actress retired after becoming a living legend.

Gender Note

When referring to a person, 'leyenda' is still grammatically feminine, even if the person is a man (e.g., 'El jugador es una leyenda').

mito

MEE-tohˈmito

nounC1general
Use 'mito' to refer to a person who is so famous and revered that they are almost mythical, often still alive and active.
A lone, heroic figure standing on a small, circular pedestal, illuminated by a bright golden spotlight, symbolizing a highly admired person.

Examples

Ese cantante es un mito viviente de la música latina.

That singer is a living legend of Latin music.

El director de cine se convirtió en un mito después de su tercera película.

The film director became an icon after his third movie.

Icon vs. Button vs. Legend

Learners often confuse 'icono' and 'botón'. Remember that 'icono' refers to the image itself (like a file icon), while 'botón' is the interactive element you click. Also, don't use 'icono' or 'botón' for admired people; use 'leyenda' or 'mito' for those.

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