Spanish word

símbolo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈsimbolo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsymbol

Example

Encontré un símbolo extraño en la roca.

I found a strange symbol on the rock.

Illustration for símbolo (symbol)

More examples

Ese escudo es un símbolo de identidad para la comunidad.

That shield is a symbol of identity for the community.

Core concept

Object or sign that stands for an idea or belief.

Common phrases

  • símbolo de identidad

    symbol of identity

  • símbolo de amor

    symbol of love

  • símbolo patrio

    national symbol

Similar words

signo: Indicates an event, condition, or circumstance as a noticeable sign.
señal: Signals direction, attention, or caution as a deliberate cue.
marca: Marks an object's origin, owner, or brand through a stamped or printed sign.
emblema: Represents a group, organization, or cause as a formal badge or device.

Definition in Spanish

Figura, objeto o signo que indica o representa una idea, una creencia o una cualidad para que otros la reconozcan.

Word origin

Via Latin symbolum from Greek sumbolon 'token or sign', the word originally meant a mark or object used to represent or identify an idea.

Usage tips

  • Often appears in the phrase ser símbolo de to say that someone or something represents a value or feeling, not merely a decoration.

Other meanings

  • marknoun
  • emblemnoun

Opposites

  • literalidadliteralnessnoun

Related words

  • simbólicosymbolicadjective
  • simbolizaciónsymbolizationnoun

Word lists with this word