Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pista | /ˈpista/ | feminine |
| indicio | /inˈdiθjo/ /inˈdisjo/ |
masculine |
In Spanish, both words refer to information that may lead one to a certain point or conclusion. Pista is the everyday term used for general clues, hints or tracks, such as those found in games or daily conversation. Indicio is used when referring to a clue in a more formal, legal or scientific context, such as an indication of a crime or a symptom.
Which one should you use?
Use pista for general clues and hints. Use indicio when the context is more formal, technical or relates to an indication or sign of something specific, like a piece of evidence.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pista is a feminine noun, and its plural form is pistas. Indicio is a masculine noun, and its plural form is indicios.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpista/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to express the idiom 'to not have a clue' (meaning to be completely ignorant of something), avoid saying 'no tener ni una pista'. Instead, the more natural idiomatic way to say this in Spanish is no tener ni idea.
Did you know?
- The word pista shares an unexpected linguistic family tree with the English word 'piston', as both trace back to the same roots involving movement and tracks.
- In a musical context, pista is used to refer to a recording 'track', such as the backing track used by singers.
- While you might think of a 'clue' as a mental hint, the Spanish word pista also refers to a physical track, such as a racing 'pista' or a running 'pista'.
Examples in context
- Te voy a dar una pista.I'll give you a clue.This sentence shows how to offer a clue using pista.Tatoeba #9453551 by ignacio, translation #8919129 by CK
- ¿Piensas que eso es una pista?Do you think that's a clue?This sentence is useful for asking if something is considered a clue using pista.Tatoeba #1201611 by Shishir, translation #1201610 by Shishir
- Tú no tienes una pista, ¿oh si?You don't have a clue, do you?This sentence demonstrates the use of pista in a question about having a clue.Tatoeba #5696068 by albrusgher, translation #3402330 by CK
- Teniendo en cuenta las pistas encontradas en la escena del crimen, el detective pudo resolver el caso.Taking into account the clues found at the crime scene, the detective was able to solve the case.
- El fiscal presentó varios indicios que apuntaban a la culpabilidad del acusado.The prosecutor presented multiple clues pointing to the defendant's guilt.
- ¡Dame una pista! No tengo idea de qué regalo comprarte.Give me a clue! I have no idea what gift to buy you.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are playing a detective game in the living room.
- MateoMaría, ¿encontraste alguna pista?María, did you find any clue?
- MaríaSí, encontré una pista en la mesa.Yes, I found a clue on the table.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! Déjame ver esa pista.Great! Let me see that clue.
- MaríaEs un papel pequeño con un número.It is a small paper with a number.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clue” translations and entries pista, indicio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries indicio, pista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
