Inklingo

How to Say "indicated" in Spanish

English → Spanish

indicado

een-dee-KAH-doh/indiˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'indicado' when referring to something that has been specifically pointed out, designated, or written down, like instructions or a destination.
A stylized hand with a pointing finger clearly directs attention towards a single, brightly colored red apple on a table filled with green apples.

Examples

Siga las instrucciones indicadas en la pantalla.

Follow the instructions indicated on the screen.

Los documentos indicados por el abogado ya están listos.

The documents specified by the lawyer are already ready.

The Past Participle

'Indicado' is the 'past action' form of the verb 'indicar' (to indicate). It ends in -ado because 'indicar' is an -ar verb. It's used to describe something that has already been pointed out.

Mixing up the Action

Mistake: “Using 'indicado' when you mean 'indicating' (present action).”

Correction: Use 'indicando' (the -ing form) for ongoing action: 'La flecha está indicando el norte.' ('The arrow is indicating north.')

decía

verbB1general
Use 'decía' (imperfect tense of 'decir') when describing what a sign, signal, or expression was conveying or showing at a particular time.

Examples

Su expresión no decía nada, pero yo sabía que estaba enojado.

His expression said nothing (meant nothing), but I knew he was angry.

Indicado vs. Decía

Learners often confuse 'indicado' and 'decía' because English uses 'indicated' for both. Remember, 'indicado' points to something specified or designated, like a written instruction, while 'decía' describes what something was showing or conveying, like a non-verbal cue or a sign's message.

Related Translations

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