señales
/seɲales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "signs" is translated into Spanish as señales.
The word señales is used in several contexts: it can refer to physical signs such as road signs, signals like radio signals or indications such as symptoms or signs of a disease.
Which one should you use?
While señales is used for signals or indications, the word letreros is more specific to printed signs, placards, shop signs or notices. For larger signs often used for advertising, you might use carteles. For signs that provide guidance, the term indicaciones is common. For signs specifically used for advertising or promotional purposes, anuncios is used. Finally, rótulos refers to signs containing written or printed information displayed in public places.
How does it change in a sentence?
señales is a feminine noun. If you use an adjective with it, the adjective must also be feminine, such as señales claras (clear signs). The singular form of the word is señal.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲales/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a señal can refer to a superstitious omen. If someone sees a black cat or breaks a mirror, they might describe it as a mala señal, meaning a bad omen rather than a physical sign.
- In Spanish, you cannot use señales to describe the symbols of the zodiac. For astrology, you must use the word signos, as in signo del zodiaco.
- The word señal is the root of the Spanish word for 'sign language', lengua de señas. This literally translates to 'language of signs', emphasizing the physical gestures used to communicate.
Examples in context
- Los letreros en el aeropuerto están bien señalizadosThe signs at the airport are well-marked
- Necesito leer los letreros antes de cruzar la calleI need to read the signs before crossing the street
- Los rótulos en el centro de la ciudad son muy llamativosThe signs in the city center are very eye-catching
- Los rótulos en las tiendas son bastante creativosThe signs in the stores are quite creative
- Los carteles publicitarios están por todas partes en la ciudadAdvertising signs are everywhere in the city
- El cartel indicaba la dirección hacia el museoThe sign indicated the direction to the museum
- Las señales en esta ciudad son bastante clarasThe signs in this city are quite clear
- ¡Cuidado con las señales de tráfico!Be careful with the traffic signs!
- Sigue las indicaciones del letreroFollow the directions on the sign
- Los anuncios en esta calle siempre llaman mi atenciónThe advertisements on this street always catch my attention
- Sigue las señales para llegar al centro.Follow the signs to get to the center.
- No veo las señales de tráfico.I don't see the traffic signs.
- Hay muchas señales de advertencia en la carretera.There are many warning signs on the road.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are driving in a new city.
- Daniel¿Viste las señales en la última salida?Did you see the signs at the last exit?
- ElenaNo, no he visto ninguna señal todavía.No, I haven't seen any sign yet.
- DanielDebemos buscar las señales de la autopista.We should look for the highway signs.
- ElenaAh, mira, allí están las señales.Ah, look, there are the signs.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
