Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| advertencia | /adbeɾˈtenθja/ /adbeɾˈtensja/ |
feminine |
| animadvertencia | /animadbeɾˈtenθja/ /animadbeɾˈtensja/ |
feminine |
The word advertencia refers to something spoken or written intended to warn. It is used for formal notices, verbal warnings or pieces of information meant to alert someone. In contrast, the term animadvertencia is a formal and literary term that typically refers to a critical observation or a remark rather than a warning of danger.
Which one should you use?
While advertencia is the warning itself, precaución is the act of taking care or the state of being cautious. Use cuidado as an exclamation to warn someone of immediate physical danger, whereas advertencia is used for more abstract or formal warnings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun advertencia is feminine, so it must be preceded by feminine articles or adjectives like una or la.
How do you pronounce it?
/adbeɾˈtenθja/
Did you know?
- The root of advertencia comes from the Latin 'vertō', which means 'to turn', implying that a warning is something that 'turns' your attention toward something.
- In sports and professional settings, a 'yellow card' is often referred to as an amonestación rather than an advertencia, treating the warning as a formal reprimand.
- Spanish uses cuidado for immediate danger, which literally translates to 'care'. Instead of saying 'Warning!', a Spanish speaker is effectively shouting 'Care!' to the other person.
Examples in context
- Esta es tu última advertencia.This is your final warning.This sentence illustrates how to express a final warning using advertencia.Tatoeba #3556428 by marcelostockle, translation #2138233 by Hybrid
- Tom ignoró la advertencia de Mary.Tom ignored Mary's warning.This sentence shows how to describe someone ignoring a warning using advertencia.Tatoeba #1478661 by marcelostockle, translation #1028624 by CK
- No es una amenaza, es una advertencia.That's not a threat, that is a warning.This sentence distinguishes a threat from a warning using advertencia.Tatoeba #7975757 by helq, translation #7154783 by Kiwi
- La policía emitió una advertencia sobre el huracán inminente.The police issued a warning about the imminent hurricane.
- Recuerde usar protección solar, es importante reforzar las precauciones durante el verano.Remember to use sunscreen, it is important to reinforce precautions during the summer.
- ¡Cuidado con el escalón! Puedes resbalar.Watch out for the step! You might slip.
- Ojo con ese perro, puede morder.Watch out for that dog, it might bite.
- No nades en esta área, hay peligro de corrientes fuertes.Don't swim in this area, there is a danger of strong currents.
- ¡Atención! El piso está mojado, puedes resbalar.Attention! The floor is wet, you might slip.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are hiking near a restricted area.
- DanielMira, hay una advertencia en ese cartel.Look, there is a warning on that sign.
- SofíaDice que el camino es peligroso.It says the path is dangerous.
- DanielDeberíamos hacer caso a la advertencia.We should heed the warning.
- SofíaTienes razón, Daniel. Volvamos.You are right, Daniel. Let's go back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “warning” translations and entries advertencia, animadvertencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries advertencia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
