simbolo
nounCEFR B2
What does “simbolo” mean in English?
symbol — a mark or character used to represent something abstract
symbol — a mark or character used to represent something abstract (símbolo de paz/libertad; símbolo nacional)
Example sentences
La paloma blanca es un símbolo universal de paz reconocido en prácticamente todas las culturas del mundo.
The white dove is a universal symbol of peace recognised in virtually all cultures of the world.
La torre se convirtió en el símbolo arquitectónico más reconocible de la ciudad tras su inauguración.
The tower became the most recognisable architectural symbol of the city after its inauguration.
El signo del dólar es uno de los símbolos monetarios más conocidos del mundo.
The dollar sign is one of the best-known monetary symbols in the world.
How to use it
El símbolo (noun, masculine) means 'symbol' — a mark or character representing something abstract. Core B2 collocations: símbolo de paz/libertad/identidad; símbolo nacional/patrio; convertirse en símbolo; símbolo matemático/químico. The adjective is simbólico. Distinguish from signo (sign — a signal with specific meaning, including linguistic signs), señal (signal/sign — functional), and icono (icon — image representation).
Common mistake
Símbolo (cultural/abstract meaning) vs. signo (sign with defined meaning in a system, e.g. lingüístico). Simbólico can mean 'token/nominal' ('a symbolic gesture' = un gesto simbólico). 'Status symbol' = símbolo de estatus. Emojis are sometimes called símbolos in digital Spanish.