How to Say "publicity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “publicity” is “publicidad” — use 'publicidad' when referring to the general state of being known by the public or receiving media attention, often for a person or event.
publicidad
poob-lee-see-dadpuβliθiˈðað
Examples
El escándalo le dio mucha publicidad al joven actor.
The scandal gave the young actor a lot of publicity.
La prensa exige la publicidad de los resultados de la votación.
The press demands the openness (transparency) of the voting results.
Busca la publicidad de su trabajo para conseguir más clientes.
He seeks publicity for his work to get more clients.
Use with 'Dar'
When talking about giving exposure or attention to something, use the verb 'dar' (to give): 'dar publicidad a algo'.
Confusing 'Publicidad' and 'Publicación'
Mistake: “La publicidad del libro fue un éxito. (If you mean the printed book)”
Correction: La publicación del libro fue un éxito. ('Publicación' means publishing/the printed item; 'publicidad' means the promotion/buzz around it.)
publicitario
poo-blee-see-TAH-ryohpuβlisiˈtaɾjo
Examples
Vimos una campaña publicitaria muy creativa.
We saw a very creative advertising campaign.
El sector publicitario ha cambiado mucho con internet.
The advertising sector has changed a lot with the internet.
No me gustan los cortes publicitarios durante la película.
I don't like the commercial breaks during the movie.
Matching the Noun
This word needs to change its ending to match what it describes. Use 'publicitario' for masculine words (el sector) and 'publicitaria' for feminine words (la campaña).
Word Order
In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the noun it describes, unlike in English where 'advertising' comes before.
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: “La anuncio publicitario.”
Correction: El anuncio publicitario. 'Anuncio' is masculine, so the describing word must also end in 'o'.
propaganda
pro-pah-GAHN-dahpɾopaˈɡanda
Examples
Vi una propaganda muy buena sobre ese perfume.
I saw a very good advertisement for that perfume.
Hay demasiada propaganda durante el partido de fútbol.
There are too many commercials during the soccer game.
Me dieron una propaganda de la nueva pizzería en la calle.
They gave me a flyer (advertisement) for the new pizzeria on the street.
Gender of the word
This word is feminine, so you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la propaganda' or 'mucha propaganda'.
The 'False Friend' trap
Mistake: “Thinking 'propaganda' only means political brainwashing.”
Correction: In Spanish, especially in Latin America, it is the standard word for any commercial or TV ad. Don't be afraid to use it for simple things like pizza ads!
ruido
RWE-doˈrwiðo
Examples
El nuevo proyecto del gobierno causó mucho ruido en la prensa.
The government's new project caused a lot of fuss in the press.
No hagas ruido por algo tan pequeño.
Don't make a fuss over something so small.
Su renuncia fue un ruido mediático que duró una semana.
His resignation was a media uproar that lasted one week.
Figurative Use
In this context, 'ruido' is often used with words like 'político' or 'mediático' to mean general disturbance or drama, not necessarily actual loud sounds.
Publicidad vs. Propaganda
Related Translations
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