How to Say “Street Sign” in Spanish

By •
señal de tráfico
/seɲal de tɾafiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "street sign" can be translated into Spanish as señal de tráfico.
The term señal de tráfico is a general term used to describe traffic signs, which includes various types of signage like speed limit signs or stop signs. If you want to be very precise about a sign that displays a street name, you should use letrero de la calle.
Meaning: sign showing the name of a street (noun)

Which one should you use?

While señal de tráfico covers all traffic-related signage, letrero de la calle is a more specific term used when referring specifically to the signs showing street names. Rótulo vial is a formal way to say street sign used in official contexts or legal documents.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, the term señalización vial is used to refer to street signs within official or technical contexts.

How do you pronounce it?

/seɲal de tɾafiko/

Did you know?

  • The word señal can also mean a 'sign' in a mystical or omen-like sense, far beyond the physical metal plates of a letrero de la calle.
  • The word tráfico entered the Spanish language as a loanword from the Italian traffico rather than evolving directly from Latin.

Examples in context

  • Es importante seguir las señales de calle para llegar al destino correcto.
    It's important to follow the street signs to get to the right destination.
  • El rótulo vial indicaba un cruce peligroso.
    The street sign indicated a dangerous intersection.
  • Deberíamos instalar más paneles indicativos de calles en esta zona.
    We should install more street sign panels in this area.
  • El letrero vial estaba escondido entre los árboles.
    The street sign was hidden among the trees.
  • Mira el letrero de la calle para saber dónde estamos.
    Look at the street sign to know where we are.

Example conversation

Alejandro and Sofía are lost while driving in a new city.

  1. Alejandro

    No veo ninguna señal de tráfico aquí, Sofía.
    I don't see any street sign here, Sofía.
  2. Sofía

    Espera, creo que hay una señal de tráfico allá.
    Wait, I think there is a street sign over there.
  3. Alejandro

    Tienes razón, ahora veo el nombre de la calle.
    You're right, now I see the name of the street.
  4. Sofía

    Perfecto, ahora podemos girar a la derecha.
    Perfect, now we can turn right.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, señal, tráfico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Tony Chase
Tony ChaseHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top