How to Say "placard" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “placard” is “cartel” — use 'cartel' for a sign that is often hand-held or temporarily posted, especially one announcing something like a sale or event.
cartel
kar-TELkaɾˈtel
Examples
Pusimos un cartel en la ventana anunciando la venta.
We put a poster in the window announcing the sale.
El cartel de la película es muy llamativo.
The movie poster is very eye-catching.
Sigue el cartel que indica la salida de emergencia.
Follow the sign that indicates the emergency exit.
Gender Check
Remember 'cartel' is always masculine, so you must use 'el cartel' or 'un cartel'.
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “La cartel.”
Correction: El cartel. Even though it ends in 'l', it follows the masculine rule for nouns ending in L, O, N, E, R, S.
letrero
le-TREH-rohleˈtɾeɾo
Examples
El letrero dice que la tienda está cerrada.
The sign says that the shop is closed.
Puse un letrero de 'Se Vende' en la ventana de mi coche.
I put a 'For Sale' sign in my car window.
Los letreros luminosos de la ciudad son muy bonitos por la noche.
The bright neon signs in the city are very beautiful at night.
Always Masculine
Even if the sign is for something feminine (like a 'tienda' or shop), the word 'letrero' itself is always masculine. Use 'el letrero' or 'un letrero'.
Describing What a Sign Says
To say what a sign 'says' in Spanish, we usually use the verb 'decir' (to say). For example: 'El letrero dice...'
Don't confuse with 'letra'
Mistake: “Vi una letra en la puerta que decía 'Abierto'.”
Correction: Vi un letrero en la puerta que decía 'Abierto'.
Cartel vs. Letrero
Related Translations
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