Inklingo

How to Say "indication" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “indication” is “indicación” — use 'indicación' when referring to a sign or symptom that suggests a particular condition, feeling, or conclusion, similar to how 'indication' is used in a medical or diagnostic context.

English → Spanish

indicación

nounB2general
Use 'indicación' when referring to a sign or symptom that suggests a particular condition, feeling, or conclusion, similar to how 'indication' is used in a medical or diagnostic context.

Examples

Su silencio es una indicación clara de que no está de acuerdo.

Their silence is a clear indication that they do not agree.

indicio

een-DEE-syohinˈdi.sjo

nounB2general
Choose 'indicio' when you have a clue or piece of evidence that points towards a specific outcome or reality, often implying a lack of direct proof but a strong suggestion.
Large animal footprints in soft mud leading towards the forest.

Examples

No hay ningún indicio de que la situación vaya a cambiar pronto.

There is no indication that the situation is going to change soon.

Su nerviosismo era un claro indicio de que algo andaba mal.

His nervousness was a clear sign that something was wrong.

Las nubes oscuras son un indicio de lluvia.

Dark clouds are a sign of rain.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine. Even if you are talking about something feminine like 'la lluvia' (the rain), you still say 'un indicio de lluvia'.

Countable Signs

You can count 'indicios.' If there are many signs, simply add an 's' to make it 'indicios'.

Indicio vs. Señal

Mistake: “Using 'indicio' for a physical road sign.”

Correction: Use 'señal' for physical signs you can see on the street. Use 'indicio' for abstract signs or hints you figure out with your mind.

señal

nounA2general
Use 'señal' for a general sign or signal that indicates something is happening or directs you somewhere, like a road sign or a warning.

Examples

Sigue las señales para llegar al centro.

Follow the signs to get to the center.

signo

síng-noˈsiɣno

nounB1general
Opt for 'signo' when referring to a sign that predicts a future event or signifies a particular quality or state, often with a slightly more formal or literary feel.
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.

Indicación vs. Indicio vs. Señal/Signo

Learners often confuse 'indicación' and 'indicio' with 'señal' and 'signo'. Remember that 'indicación' and 'indicio' usually imply a conclusion or a deduced meaning, whereas 'señal' and 'signo' are often more direct or predictive signs.

Related Translations

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