How to Say "publicity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “publicity” is “publicidad” — use 'publicidad' when referring to the state of being widely known, receiving public attention, or the general concept of advertising and promotion for a product or service..
publicidad
/poob-lee-see-dad//puβliθiˈðað/
Examples
El nuevo libro del autor recibió mucha publicidad tras su lanzamiento.
The author's new book received a lot of publicity after its release.
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.)
propaganda
/pro-pah-GAHN-dah//pɾopaˈɡanda/
Examples
La tienda hizo mucha propaganda de sus ofertas de verano.
The store did a lot of publicity for its summer sales.
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-do/ˈrwiðo/
Examples
La polémica decisión del alcalde generó un gran ruido en los medios.
The mayor's controversial decision generated a lot of publicity in the media.
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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