Inklingo

How to Say "pointer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

flecha

Fleh-chahˈfle.tʃa

nounA2general
Use 'flecha' when referring to a cursor on a computer screen or a directional marker on a map.
A bold, stylized blue graphic arrow pointing directly upwards, symbolizing direction.

Examples

Mira la flecha en el mapa; indica dónde está el museo.

Look at the arrow on the map; it indicates where the museum is.

Pulsa la flecha que apunta hacia abajo para descargar el archivo.

Click the arrow that points down to download the file.

Arrow Keys

Mistake: “Using 'llave' or 'botón' for the arrow keys on a keyboard.”

Correction: Always use 'teclas de flecha' or 'flechas' when referring to these keys.

indicador

een-dee-kah-DORindikaˈðoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'indicador' for a device with a needle or marker that shows a measurement, or for something that signals a trend or status, 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.

Flecha vs. Indicador

Learners often confuse 'flecha' and 'indicador' because both can point to something. Remember that 'flecha' is typically a literal, visible arrow or cursor, while 'indicador' is often something that signals information or a measurement, like a gauge or a statistic.

Related Translations

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