Inklingo

How to Say "indicator" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “indicator” is “indicador” — use 'indicador' when referring to a piece of data or a sign that shows a trend or the state of something, especially in economics or statistics.

English → Spanish

indicador

een-dee-kah-DORindikaˈðoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'indicador' when referring to a piece of data or a sign that shows a trend or the state of something, especially in economics or statistics.
A green sprout pushing through the soil, signaling new growth and the arrival of spring.

Examples

El desempleo es un indicador económico muy importante.

Unemployment is a very important economic indicator.

El indicador de la temperatura está subiendo.

The temperature gauge is going up.

Tu sonrisa es un indicador de que estás feliz.

Your smile is a sign that you are happy.

The '-dor' Suffix

In Spanish, adding '-dor' to a verb root is like adding '-er' in English. Since 'indicar' means 'to indicate,' an 'indicador' is the thing that does the indicating.

Noun Gender

Even though it refers to abstract data or physical tools, this word is always masculine when used as a noun.

Indicator vs. Sign

Mistake: “Using 'indicador' for a street sign.”

Correction: Use 'señal' for road signs. Use 'indicador' for data, meters, or subtle clues.

síntoma

nounB1general
Use 'síntoma' when 'indicator' means a sign that something is happening or changing, often implying a problem or a condition.

Examples

El desempleo es un síntoma de la crisis económica.

Unemployment is a sign of the economic crisis.

aguja

ah-GOO-hahaˈɣu.xa

nounB1general
Use 'aguja' specifically for the pointer on a gauge or dial, like on a car's dashboard or a clock.
A long, thin, black pointer, sharply tapered at one end, designed to function as an indicator or clock hand.

Examples

La aguja del reloj se movía muy despacio.

The clock hand was moving very slowly.

Si la aguja de la gasolina está en rojo, tienes que repostar.

If the gas indicator is in the red, you have to refuel.

Metaphorical Use

This meaning extends from the literal 'needle' because clock hands and gauges are long, thin, pointed instruments, just like a sewing needle.

índice

nounB2general
Use 'índice' for a more formal or statistical measure of economic or social trends, such as birth rates or stock market performance.

Examples

El índice de natalidad ha bajado este año.

The birth rate has gone down this year.

Indicador vs. Síntoma

Learners often confuse 'indicador' and 'síntoma'. 'Indicador' is neutral data showing a trend, like a statistic. 'Síntoma' implies a sign of a problem or a particular condition, often with a negative connotation. Think of 'indicador' as 'data point' and 'síntoma' as 'warning sign'.

Related Translations

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