nota bene
/ˌnota ˈbene/
The Latin phrase nota bene is used in Spanish to draw the reader's attention to a particularly important point.
In Spanish, nota bene is used to signal that a specific piece of information requires special attention. While it is a Latin loanword, it functions in Spanish to highlight important details in written text.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a Latin loanword that literally means 'note well'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nota bene is used in a formal or academic register. If you are looking for more natural Spanish alternatives for highlighting information, you might use the formal phrase Cabe destacar (it is worth noting), Es importante recalcar (it is important to emphasize) or No olvidemos (let's not forget). In informal situations, you should instead use phrases like Oye, mira (hey, look), No te olvides (don't forget) or Fíjate bien (pay close attention).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌnota ˈbene/
Did you know?
- While nota bene is formal, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ojo (literally 'eye') as a shorthand warning in informal notes to achieve the same effect.
- In Spanish, the word nota is also the common noun for a 'note' or a 'grade' in school, meaning nota bene shares its root with your 'report card'.
- The Spanish word nota comes from the Latin nota, which evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵneh₃-. This root is also the ancestor of the English word 'know'.
Examples in context
- Cabe destacar que el proyecto llegó a su finalización antes de lo previsto.It is worth noting that the project was completed ahead of schedule.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are reviewing a legal document together.
- LucíaDaniel, mira este párrafo sobre el pago.Daniel, look at this paragraph about the payment.
- DanielSí, veo que tiene un nota bene al lado.Yes, I see it has a note well next to it.
- LucíaExacto, es un punto muy importante del acuerdo.Exactly, it is a very important point of the agreement.
- DanielTienes razón, no podemos ignorar esa advertencia.You are right, we cannot ignore that warning.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nota bene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nota, nota bene, CC BY-SA 4.0.
