Inklingo

How to Say "warning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

advertencia

ahd-vehr-TEHN-syah/að.βeɾˈten.sja/

nounA2general
Use 'advertencia' for a specific caution or notice about potential danger or risk, often found on signs or given directly.
A small, worried character standing on safe ground, urgently pointing toward a deep, visible fissure or crack in the earth to caution someone about the danger ahead.

Examples

El cartel de la piscina tenía una advertencia clara sobre la profundidad.

The pool sign had a clear warning about the depth.

Ignoró la advertencia del médico y siguió comiendo dulces.

He ignored the doctor's warning and kept eating sweets.

Recibió una advertencia por llegar tarde al trabajo tres veces.

She received a warning for being late to work three times.

Gender Rule

Even though 'advertencia' starts with 'a,' it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (la advertencia).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'advertencia' when you mean the action of warning ('advertir').”

Correction: Remember, 'advertencia' is the thing (the warning itself). The verb is 'advertir' (to warn).

aviso

ah-VEE-soh/aˈβiso/

nounB1general
Choose 'aviso' when you need to convey a more formal caution or notification, especially from an authority like the police or an official body, often about an upcoming event or required action.
A simple cartoon figure standing next to a large blue puddle, holding up their hand in a clear stopping gesture to warn someone of the hazard.

Examples

La policía emitió un aviso de evacuación.

The police issued an evacuation warning.

Te doy un aviso: no confíes en esa persona.

I'm giving you a warning: don't trust that person.

Gracias por el aviso, casi me olvido de la cita.

Thanks for the heads-up, I almost forgot the appointment.

The Verb Root

Remember that 'aviso' is the noun (the thing). The action is performed using the verb 'avisar' (to warn or notify).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Hice avisar que era peligroso.”

Correction: Di un aviso de que era peligroso. (I gave a warning that it was dangerous.) You 'give' the noun (aviso), you 'do' the verb (avisar).

alerta

/a-LER-ta//aˈleɾta/

nounA2general
Use 'alerta' to refer to a state of heightened danger or a notification that danger is imminent, often used in official contexts like weather or security.
A stylized illustration of a simple, bright red emergency warning light flashing rapidly on a dark pole, signifying an alarm or signal.

Examples

Han declarado una alerta roja por la tormenta.

They have declared a red alert because of the storm.

Recibimos una alerta en el teléfono sobre un incendio.

We received an alert on the phone about a fire.

La alerta de tsunami se canceló tres horas después.

The tsunami warning was canceled three hours later.

Gender Note

Remember that 'alerta' as a signal or warning is always feminine: 'la alerta'.

Advertencia vs. Aviso

Learners often confuse 'advertencia' and 'aviso'. While both mean 'warning', 'advertencia' is a general caution, whereas 'aviso' tends to be a more official notification, like a public announcement or evacuation order.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.