Inklingo

How to Say "symbol" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “symbol” is “símbolo” — use 'símbolo' when referring to a representation of an idea, concept, or nation, like a flag or an emblem.

English → Spanish

símbolo

nounA2general
Use 'símbolo' when referring to a representation of an idea, concept, or nation, like a flag or an emblem.

Examples

La paloma es un símbolo de paz.

The dove is a symbol of peace.

icono

ee-KOH-nohiˈkono

nounA1general
Use 'icono' for a visual representation, especially in digital contexts like a computer icon or a graphical symbol.
A colorful illustration of a stylized house icon, representing a home button on a digital interface.

Examples

Haz clic en el icono de la papelera para borrar el archivo.

Click on the trash can icon to delete the file.

Haz doble clic en el icono para abrir el programa.

Double-click the icon to open the program.

Ella es un icono de la moda en todo el mundo.

She is a fashion icon all over the world.

El museo tiene una colección de iconos religiosos antiguos.

The museum has a collection of ancient religious icons.

Gender remains masculine

The word 'icono' is always masculine ('el icono'), even if you are using it to describe a woman (e.g., 'Ella es un icono').

Plural form

To make it plural, just add an -s: 'los iconos'.

The 'Icono' vs 'Ícono' confusion

Mistake: “Thinking 'ícono' is always wrong.”

Correction: In Spain, 'icono' (no accent) is preferred. In Latin America, 'ícono' (with an accent) is more common. Both are accepted by the official Spanish language academy.

signo

síng-noˈsiɣno

nounA2general
Use 'signo' for a mark or character used in writing, mathematics, or as a signal, like punctuation or a mathematical operator.
A red triangular road sign featuring a simple black exclamation point symbol in the center, indicating a warning.

Examples

El signo de exclamación se usa para expresar sorpresa.

The exclamation mark is used to express surprise.

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'.

metáfora

nounB1general
Use 'metáfora' when 'symbol' refers to a figurative comparison where one thing represents another, especially in literature or speech.

Examples

El corazón puede ser una metáfora del amor.

The heart can be a metaphor for love.

atributo

ah-tree-BOO-toha.tɾi.ˈβu.to

nounB2academic
Use 'atributo' in grammar to refer to a descriptive element, functioning as a predicate adjective or noun, rather than a symbol in the general sense.
A happy dog sitting down, illustrating a state of being.

Examples

En la oración 'La casa es grande', 'grande' es el atributo.

In the sentence 'The house is big', 'big' is the predicate adjective.

En la frase 'Ella es inteligente', 'inteligente' es el atributo.

In the phrase 'She is intelligent', 'intelligent' is the predicate.

Las llaves son el atributo de San Pedro en las pinturas.

Keys are St. Peter's symbol in paintings.

The Grammar 'Label'

In Spanish grammar, when you use verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'parecer' (to seem), the description that follows is called the 'atributo'. It must agree in gender and number with the person you are talking about.

Símbolo vs. Signo

Learners often confuse 'símbolo' and 'signo'. Remember that 'símbolo' is typically for broader concepts or national representations, while 'signo' refers to specific marks like punctuation or mathematical symbols.

Related Translations

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