How to Say "sign" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sign” is “señal” — use this for physical signs that provide information or direction, like traffic signs or road signs.
señal
Examples
Sigue las señales para llegar al centro.
Follow the signs to get to the center.
signo
síng-noˈsiɣno
Examples
La lluvia de esta mañana es un signo de que el verano ha terminado.
This morning's rain is a sign that summer has ended.
Siempre olvido dónde va el signo de interrogación.
I always forget where the question mark goes.
El signo de suma es un más (+).
The addition sign is a plus (+).
Necesitas añadir un signo de exclamación al final de esa frase.
You need to add an exclamation mark at the end of that sentence.
Gender Check
Remember that 'signo' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el signo' or 'un signo'.
Signo vs. Señal
'Signo' often refers to a physical mark or an abstract indication (like a symptom). 'Señal' usually refers to a definite signal, like a traffic light or a gesture.
letrero
Examples
El letrero dice que la tienda está cerrada.
The sign says that the shop is closed.
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.
firma
FEER-mahˈfiɾma
Examples
Por favor, ponga su firma aquí abajo.
Please put your signature down here.
Esta es la firma del director del banco.
This is the bank manager's signature.
Necesito una segunda firma para validar el contrato.
I need a second signature to validate the contract.
Gender Alert
Even though 'firma' ends in 'a', it is feminine, so use 'la firma' or 'una firma'.
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Usar 'firma' para la acción de firmar. (e.g., Yo firma el papel.)”
Correction: Use 'firmar' for the action. 'Yo firmo el papel.' ('firma' is the noun, the mark itself.)
gesto
HES-tohˈxes.to
Examples
Hizo un gesto de dolor al tocarse la rodilla.
He made a gesture of pain when he touched his knee.
Con un gesto, el camarero nos indicó que la mesa estaba lista.
With a gesture, the waiter indicated to us that the table was ready.
Su gesto de sorpresa era tan cómico que todos reímos.
His expression of surprise was so comical that we all laughed.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'gesto' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el gesto' (the gesture).
Pronouncing the 'G'
Mistake: “Pronouncing the 'g' like the English 'g' in 'go' ('ges-toh').”
Correction: The correct sound is the strong Spanish 'j' sound, like the English 'h' in 'hello' ('HES-toh').
marca
MAR-cahˈmaɾka
Examples
Hay una marca de zapato en el suelo.
There is a shoe mark on the floor.
Su caída dejó una pequeña marca en la rodilla.
His fall left a small mark (scar) on his knee.
Necesitas hacer una marca con lápiz antes de cortar.
You need to make a mark with a pencil before cutting.
rastro
RRAH-strohˈras.tɾo
Examples
No dejó ningún rastro de su visita.
He didn't leave any trace of his visit.
Los excursionistas siguieron el rastro de las huellas en la nieve.
The hikers followed the track of the footprints in the snow.
El rastro de neumáticos era muy claro en el barro.
The tire track was very clear in the mud.
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'rastro' is always a masculine word, so it uses 'el' (el rastro) and masculine adjectives (un rastro viejo).
Confusing Rastro and Pista
Mistake: “Using 'pista' when referring to a continuous, physical trail left on the ground.”
Correction: 'Rastro' usually refers to the physical marks left behind, while 'pista' is often used for abstract clues or a general sports track.
seña
Examples
Mi amigo me hizo una seña desde lejos.
My friend waved to me from a distance.
símbolo
Examples
La bandera es el símbolo de nuestro país.
The flag is the symbol of our country.
síntoma
Examples
La fiebre es un síntoma de la gripe.
Fever is a symptom of the flu.
indicación
Examples
Su silencio es una indicación clara de que no está de acuerdo.
Their silence is a clear sign that they do not agree.
indicio
een-DEE-syohinˈdi.sjo
Examples
No hay ningún indicio de que la situación vaya a cambiar pronto.
There is no sign that the situation is going to change soon.
Su nerviosismo era un claro indicio de que algo andaba mal.
His nervousness was a clear sign that something was wrong.
Las nubes oscuras son un indicio de lluvia.
Dark clouds are a sign of rain.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine. Even if you are talking about something feminine like 'la lluvia' (the rain), you still say 'un indicio de lluvia'.
Countable Signs
You can count 'indicios.' If there are many signs, simply add an 's' to make it 'indicios'.
Indicio vs. Señal
Mistake: “Using 'indicio' for a physical road sign.”
Correction: Use 'señal' for physical signs you can see on the street. Use 'indicio' for abstract signs or hints you figure out with your mind.
contraseña
Examples
Los soldados debían usar la contraseña correcta para pasar la guardia.
The soldiers had to use the correct watchword to pass the guard.
traza
TRAH-sahˈtɾaθa
Examples
Este chocolate puede contener trazas de leche.
This chocolate may contain traces of milk.
No queda ni una traza del antiguo castillo.
Not a single trace of the old castle remains.
Siguieron la traza del camino romano.
They followed the outline of the Roman road.
Plural use for ingredients
When talking about food allergies or chemicals, we almost always use the plural form 'trazas'.
Traza vs. Rastro
Mistake: “La policía busca trazas del ladrón.”
Correction: La policía busca rastros del ladrón.
manifestación
Examples
El arte es una manifestación de la cultura.
Art is an expression of culture.
Señal vs. Signo
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