una señal
/una seɲal/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'a sign' is translated as una señal.
Una señal is used to refer to a signal, an indication or a sign that something is happening or about to happen. It is also used in the context of physical signs or notices, such as Salida (Exit) or Prohibido fumar (No smoking). Examples of common notices include Cuidado, suelos resbaladizos (Caution, slippery floors), No pasar (Do not enter), Estacionamiento prohibido (No parking) and Zona escolar (School zone).
Which one should you use?
While una señal often refers to a signal or an indication, un signo is used for symbols, mathematical signs or medical symptoms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word letrero is used for 'sign'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of una señal is las señales.
How do you pronounce it?
/una seɲal/
Did you know?
- The word señal can also mean 'trace' or 'track', such as the footprints left by an animal.
- While señal means 'sign', the closely related word seña is often used to describe a secret signal or a distinctive physical mark used to identify someone.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a señal can refer to the strength of a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, such as saying no hay señal for 'there is no signal'.
Examples in context
- Dios envió una señal.God sent a sign.This sentence shows the use of una señal in a religious context.Tatoeba #1542380 by marcelostockle, translation #1542326 by Spamster
- Es una señal de los tiempos.It's a sign of the times.This sentence uses una señal to describe an indication of the times.Tatoeba #1704822 by marcelostockle, translation #1702713 by Spamster
- Lo tomo como una señal de esperanza.I take it as a sign of hope.This sentence shows una señal being used as an indication of hope.Tatoeba #2962579 by marcelostockle, translation #2930725 by astyng
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about their future plans.
- ElenaNecesito una señal para tomar esta decisión.I need a sign to make this decision.
- AlejandroQuizás el clima sea una señal hoy.Maybe the weather is a sign today.
- ElenaNo creo que sea una señal clara.I don't think it's a clear sign.
- AlejandroEntonces espera un poco más, Elena.Then wait a little longer, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
