Inklingo

How to Say "indicator light" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “indicator light” is “piloto” — use 'piloto' for a light that indicates a device is on, operating, or in a specific state, often seen on electronics or machinery..

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piloto

/pee-LOH-toh//piˈloto/

nounB1general
Use 'piloto' for a light that indicates a device is on, operating, or in a specific state, often seen on electronics or machinery.
A close-up view of a simple grey appliance panel showing a single, small, bright orange indicator light glowing intensely.

Examples

El piloto rojo indica que la máquina está encendida.

The red indicator light shows that the machine is on.

Necesito cambiar el piloto de la caldera; se apagó.

I need to change the pilot light on the boiler; it went out.

testigo

tes-TEE-goh/tesˈti.ɣo/

nounB1general
Choose 'testigo' specifically for warning lights on a vehicle's dashboard or other warning indicators on machinery.
A close-up view of a simple control panel with a single, small, bright red indicator light glowing intensely.

Examples

Se me encendió el testigo de la batería mientras conducía.

The battery warning light came on while I was driving.

El manual explica qué significa cada testigo del panel de control.

The manual explains what each indicator light on the control panel means.

Technical Usage

In technical fields like mechanics, 'testigo' is often used as a shortened way to refer to the small light that 'sees' and signals a problem or status.

Piloto vs. Testigo

Learners often confuse 'piloto' and 'testigo' because both refer to indicator lights. Remember that 'piloto' is more general for status (like power), while 'testigo' is almost exclusively used for warning lights, especially on a car dashboard.

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