señalando
/seɲalando/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for the English noun 'pointing' is señalando.
señalando refers to the action of pointing.
Meaning: action of the verb to point (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb señalar, which originates from the noun señal, meaning 'sign' or 'mark'.
How does it change in a sentence?
señalando is the gerund of the verb señalar.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲalando/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, pointing at a person with your index finger is considered extremely rude or aggressive. To point more politely, people often use an open hand with the palm facing up or even a nod of the head.
- In legal or formal Spanish, señalar is used to designate a specific date and time for an appointment, moving the meaning from a physical gesture to a temporal one.
- In some regions, the phrase señalar el camino is used not just for physical pointing, but as a metaphor for mentoring someone or showing them the right path in life.
Examples in context
- Estoy señalando el mapaI am pointing at the map
- Voy a apuntar al objetivoI'm going to point at the target
- ¿Puedes señalarme en el mapa dónde estamos?Can you point on the map where we are?
- Estoy indicando el camino a seguirI am pointing out the way to follow
- Le vienen señalando con el dedo desde el otro lado de la salaThey've been pointing with their finger at him/her from the other side of the room
- No entiendo, ¿puedes mostrarme en qué estás trabajando?I don't understand, can you show me what you're working on?
- Está señalando el mapa.He is pointing at the map.
- Él está señalando la salida.He is pointing at the exit.
- No me gusta estar señalando a la gente.I don't like pointing at people.
- Ella sigue señalando el mapa con el dedo.She keeps pointing at the map with her finger.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking for a specific store in a mall.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está la tienda, Elena?Where is the store, Elena?
- ElenaMira, estoy señalando el cartel azul.Look, I am pointing at the blue sign.
- AlejandroAh, ya veo dónde está.Oh, I see where it is.
- ElenaSí, está justo allí.Yes, it is right there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
