Inklingo

How to Say "indication" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “indication” is “señal” — use 'señal' when referring to a visible sign, cue, or signal that points towards something, often a physical indicator or a directive..

English → Spanish

señal

NounA2General
Use 'señal' when referring to a visible sign, cue, or signal that points towards something, often a physical indicator or a directive.

Examples

Sigue las señales para llegar al centro.

Follow the signs to get to the center.

signo

/síng-no//ˈsiɣno/

NounB1General
Use 'signo' when referring to a more abstract sign or omen that suggests a future event or a condition.
A small, wispy plume of gray smoke rising visibly from behind a green grassy hill under a bright blue sky, indicating fire.

Examples

La lluvia de esta mañana es un signo de que el verano ha terminado.

This morning's rain is a sign that summer has ended.

No muestra ningún signo de mejora después de la enfermedad.

He doesn't show any sign of improvement after the illness.

Vieron signos de vida antigua en las ruinas.

They saw traces of ancient life in the ruins.

Signo vs. Señal

'Signo' often refers to a physical mark or an abstract indication (like a symptom). 'Señal' usually refers to a definite signal, like a traffic light or a gesture.

Physical Signs vs. Future Omens

The most common mistake is using 'signo' for physical, present indicators. Remember that 'señal' is typically for concrete signs you can see or follow, like road signs, while 'signo' often implies a prediction or a less tangible indicator of something to come.

Related Translations

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