indicar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /in.di.'kar/

Translation Options into English

• To indicate
• To point out
• To show
• To signify

Meaning and Usage

The verb "indicar" is commonly used in both general and medical contexts. In general, it means to point out, show, or signal something to someone. Its frequency of use is relatively high in both spoken and written Spanish, as it is an important verb in everyday conversation, instruction, and communication.

In the medical domain, "indicar" may refer to indicating symptoms, treatments, or diagnosis. The usage in spoken language may be slightly more frequent, as it often occurs in dialogues, explanations, or instructions.

Example Sentences

1. Los médicos deben indicar la dosis correcta del medicamento.

2. Doctors must indicate the correct dosage of the medication.

3. Puede indicar su nombre y dirección en el formulario.

4. You can indicate your name and address on the form.

5. El profesor indicó las principales ideas del capítulo.

6. The teacher indicated the main ideas of the chapter.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "indicar" does not form many fixed idiomatic expressions, it can be incorporated into various contexts that convey meanings tied to direction, guidance, or reference.

1. Indicar con el dedo
2. Significa señalar algo o a alguien.

3. No es educado indicar con el dedo a las personas.

   • It is not polite to point at people.

4. Indicar el camino

5. Usado para describir guiar a alguien.

6. El mapa puede indicar el camino correcto a seguir.

   • The map can indicate the right path to follow.

7. Indicar el final

8. Referido a señalar que algo ha concluido.

9. El timbre indica el final de la clase.

   • The bell indicates the end of class.

10. Indicar la dirección

11. Usado para dar instrucciones sobre cómo llegar a un lugar.

12. Ella le indicó la dirección del restaurante.

    • She indicated the direction of the restaurant.

13. Indicar el problema

14. Significa señalar lo que no funciona o necesita atención.
15. El diagnóstico indicó el problema en el motor.
    • The diagnosis indicated the problem in the engine.

Etymology

The verb "indicar" comes from the Latin word "indicāre," which means "to point out, show, or indicate." The root "dicare" relates to saying or declaring, which highlights its use in signaling or bringing attention to something.

Synonyms

• Señalar (to point out)
• Mostrar (to show)
• Sugerir (to suggest)

Antonyms

• Ocultar (to conceal)
• Ignorar (to ignore)
• Desestimar (to dismiss)

In summary, "indicar" is a versatile verb used to express the act of pointing out or showing information, with applications in various contexts, especially in instructions and guidance both in spoken and written form.