When would I use pista versus indirecta?

Use pista when someone needs a clue to figure something out, like in a game, riddle, or investigation. Use indirecta when you are subtly telling someone something without saying it directly, especially in social or emotional situations.

Can pista mean anything besides hint?

Pista is a versatile word in Spanish. Beyond meaning clue or hint, it also means track (pista de baile = dance floor, pista de aterrizaje = runway). Context makes the meaning clear.

How do I say take the hint in Spanish?

The common expression is captar la indirecta or pillar la indirecta. For example, A ver si captas la indirecta means Let's see if you take the hint.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

HINT in Spanish: PISTA

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Pista · noun · PEES-tah

Spanish splits the English word hint into distinct terms based on intent: pista for a clue that helps solve something, indirecta for a subtle message directed at someone, and consejo for a helpful tip. Choosing correctly depends on whether you are solving a puzzle, nudging a friend, or sharing advice.

PEES-tah

Dame una pista, no puedo adivinar la respuesta.

Give me a hint, I can't guess the answer.

hint in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for hint, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
pista	hint	PEES-tah	Default, widely understood
indirecta	hint		subtle suggestion to a person
consejo	hint		tip/advice

How Native Speakers Use Pista

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Game or Puzzle

Te doy una pista: empieza con la letra M.

I'll give you a hint: it starts with the letter M.

Pista is the standard word when giving clues in games.

Subtle Message

Le lancé una indirecta pero no la captó.

I dropped him a hint but he didn't get it.

Indirecta refers to a veiled suggestion aimed at someone.

Helpful Tip

Aquí va un consejo: llega temprano para conseguir buen lugar.

Here's a hint: arrive early to get a good spot.

When hint means a useful piece of advice, consejo works.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Pista

Using Pista for Social Hints

Incorrect: Le di una pista de que me gusta.

Correct: Le di una indirecta de que me gusta.

When hinting at romantic interest or giving someone a subtle message, indirecta is the correct choice. Pista implies solving a mystery.

False Friend with Pistol

Incorrect: The word pista sounds like pistol but they are unrelated.

Correct: Pista means track, trail, or clue depending on context.

Learners sometimes hesitate to use pista because it sounds unfamiliar, but it has no violent connotation.

Lock in hint Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Pista used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using pista in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Dame una pista, no puedo adivinar la respuesta. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About hint in Spanish

When would I use pista versus indirecta?: Use pista when someone needs a clue to figure something out, like in a game, riddle, or investigation. Use indirecta when you are subtly telling someone something without saying it directly, especially in social or emotional situations.
Can pista mean anything besides hint?: Pista is a versatile word in Spanish. Beyond meaning clue or hint, it also means track (pista de baile = dance floor, pista de aterrizaje = runway). Context makes the meaning clear.
How do I say take the hint in Spanish?: The common expression is captar la indirecta or pillar la indirecta. For example, A ver si captas la indirecta means Let's see if you take the hint.