Inklingo

How to Say "symptom" in Spanish

English → Spanish

síntoma

nounA2medical
Use 'síntoma' exclusively when referring to a physical or emotional indication of a specific illness or health condition.

Examples

La tos es un síntoma común del resfriado.

Cough is a common symptom of the cold.

signo

síng-noˈsiɣno

nounB1general
Use 'signo' for a more general observable indication or outward sign that suggests a particular state of affairs, not necessarily a medical one.
A small, wispy plume of gray smoke rising visibly from behind a green grassy hill under a bright blue sky, indicating fire.

Examples

El cielo nublado es un signo de lluvia.

The cloudy sky is a sign of rain.

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.

No muestra ningún signo de mejora después de la enfermedad.

He doesn't show any sign of improvement after the illness.

Vieron signos de vida antigua en las ruinas.

They saw traces of ancient life in the ruins.

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.

Don't use 'signo' for medical symptoms

The most common mistake is using 'signo' when you mean a specific medical symptom. Remember that 'síntoma' is the precise word for indications of illness, while 'signo' is for broader, non-medical signs.

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