señalar
/seɲaˈlaɾ/
Singling out is translated into Spanish as señalar.
The verb señalar is used to describe the act of choosing or identifying one person or thing from a group for special attention. While it can mean to point out a fact, when used in the context of people, it often carries a connotation of highlighting someone for criticism or scrutiny.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb señalar literally means to point out or to mark, which refers to the physical action often used metaphorically when singling someone out.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are singling out a person, you must use the preposition a before that person, such as in señalar a un culpable.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb señalar is closely related to the word señor, as both derive from the Latin 'signum' to indicate a person of a specific rank or marked status.
- Spanish uses señalar not just for people, but also to describe 'marking' a date on a calendar or setting a specific deadline for an event.
- While señalar can mean to point with a finger, using your index finger to single someone out in certain polite social contexts in parts of Spain can be seen as rude or overly aggressive.
Examples in context
- La maestra señaló específicamente a Juan como el responsable del desorden en la clase.The teacher singled out Juan specifically as the one responsible for the mess in the classroom.
- María señaló a Carlos como el mejor bailarín de la fiesta.María singled out Carlos as the best dancer at the party.
- Los amigos pusieron el foco en Ana para sorprenderla en su cumpleaños.The friends singled out Ana to surprise her on her birthday.
- El profesor destacó a Laura por su excelente desempeño académico.The teacher singled out Laura for her excellent academic performance.
- No quiero señalar a nadie en particular.I don't want to single anyone out in particular.
- El profesor suele señalar a los mejores alumnos.The teacher tends to single out the best students.
- Es injusto señalar un solo error en el informe.It is unfair to single out just one error in the report.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a group project meeting.
- SofíaSiento que el profesor quiso señalar mi error.I feel like the teacher wanted to single out my mistake.
- AlejandroNo creo que lo hiciera a propósito, Sofía.I don't think he did it on purpose, Sofía.
- SofíaPero me señaló delante de todo el grupo.But he singled me out in front of the whole group.
- AlejandroSolo quería que aprendiéramos todos del fallo.He just wanted us all to learn from the mistake.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry señalar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
