advertencia verbal
/adbeɾtenθja beɾbal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'verbal warning' is advertencia verbal in Spanish.
Advertencia verbal is used in formal contexts, such as workplace disciplinary procedures or legal settings, to describe an official notice that someone's behavior is unacceptable and must change.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of advertencia, meaning warning or notice and verbal, meaning verbal.
Which one should you use?
While advertencia verbal is a standard way to express the concept, amonestación verbal is used to specifically emphasize the disciplinary nature of the warning. For a more legalistic tone used by authorities or in official contexts, you may use apercibimiento oral. In contrast, the informal phrase tirón de orejas is used to imply a playful criticism or warning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term amonestación verbal is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/adbeɾtenθja beɾbal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term amonestación is frequently used in sports, such as football, to refer to a yellow card given by a referee.
- While advertencia verbal is a formal notice, the idiomatic phrase tirón de orejas literally means 'a pull of the ears'.
- The root of advertencia comes from the Latin vertere, meaning 'to turn'. To give a warning is etymologically to 'turn one's attention' toward something.
Examples in context
- Le hago una advertencia verbal debido a su comportamiento inapropiado en el lugar de trabajo. Si continúa con estas acciones, se tomarán medidas adicionales.I am giving you a verbal warning due to your inappropriate behavior in the workplace. If you continue with these actions, additional measures will be taken.
- Oye, te doy una regañada porque llegaste tarde otra vez. Necesitas ser más puntual.Hey, I'm giving you a scolding because you arrived late again. You need to be more punctual.
- Recibí una advertencia verbal en el trabajo.I received a verbal warning at work.
- Solo fue una advertencia verbal por el ruido.It was only a verbal warning for the noise.
- El jefe dio una advertencia verbal al empleado.The boss gave a verbal warning to the employee.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking in a cafe about work.
- Sofía¿Por qué estás tan preocupado, Alejandro?Why are you so worried, Alejandro?
- AlejandroMe dieron una advertencia verbal hoy.I was given a verbal warning today.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, espero que todo mejore.I am very sorry, I hope everything improves.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía, trataré de ser más cuidadoso.Thanks, Sofía, I will try to be more careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries advertencia, verbal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
