Inklingo

How to Say "remark" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comentario

/koh-men-TAH-ree-oh//ko.menˈta.rjo/

nounA1
Use 'comentario' for a general, casual spoken or written observation or opinion.
A simplified illustration showing one stylized character speaking to another. A small, simple yellow star icon floats above the listener's head, symbolizing the reception of a brief, general remark.

Examples

Dejó un comentario muy positivo en mi foto de la boda.

She left a very positive comment on my wedding photo.

El profesor hizo un comentario sobre la importancia de la puntualidad.

The teacher made a remark about the importance of punctuality.

No puedo creer ese comentario tan grosero que dijiste.

I can't believe that rude comment you said.

Gender Tip

Words that end in '-ario' or '-erio' are almost always masculine in Spanish, which helps you remember to use 'el' (el comentario).

Using 'La'

Mistake: “La comentario”

Correction: El comentario. Remember, this noun is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

nota

NOH-tah/ˈno.ta/

nounA1
Use 'nota' for a short, often written, message or brief observation, like a memo or a quick note.
A single yellow square sticky note attached to a wooden surface, with a pencil resting beside it, representing a short memo.

Examples

Dejé una nota a mi compañero de piso antes de salir.

I left a note for my roommate before leaving.

El director tomó nota de todos nuestros comentarios.

The director made a note of all our comments.

'Tomar nota'

The fixed phrase 'tomar nota' means 'to write something down' or 'to pay attention to something so you remember it later.' Do not use 'hacer' (to make) a note.

Using 'hacer' with notes

Mistake: “Hice una nota.”

Correction: Escribí una nota (I wrote a note) or Tomé una nota (I took a note).

observación

nounB2
Use 'observación' when referring to a stated comment or a finding, often more formal or analytical.

Examples

El profesor hizo una observación muy pertinente sobre mi tesis.

The professor made a very relevant comment about my thesis.

intervención

nounB2formal
Use 'intervención' when remarking within a group discussion or meeting, implying a contribution to the conversation.

Examples

Su intervención en la reunión fue muy breve.

His speech in the meeting was very brief.

observar

ob-ser-VAR/oβ.seɾˈβaɾ/

verbC1
Use 'observar' as a verb when you mean to state a comment or a finding, similar to pointing something out.
A person in a yellow shirt pointing with determination towards an object off-screen while making an expressive facial gesture, indicating a remark or finding.

Examples

El auditor observó que faltaban varios documentos importantes.

The auditor remarked (or pointed out) that several important documents were missing.

Ella observó que la solución propuesta no era viable.

She commented that the proposed solution was not viable.

Reporting Speech

When used in this sense, 'observar' often introduces a statement using 'que' (that), similar to how 'decir' (to say) is used.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse the noun 'observación' (a comment/finding) with the verb 'observar' (to remark/to state a finding). Remember that 'observar' is the action of making the remark, while 'observación' is the remark itself.

Related Translations

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