anuncio

Anuncio is a Spanish noun that can denote a public notice or a commercial advertisement. The term derives from the verb anunciar, which in turn comes from the Latin annuntiare, meaning “to declare” or “to announce.” In contemporary usage, anuncio covers both official notices and promotional messages.

In everyday Spanish, the primary senses are a public notice published in media or posted in a place to inform the public, and a paid promotional message used to promote products, services, or events. The two meanings often overlap in media contexts, where an advertisement is also a form of public announcement. Regional variation may influence whether a single term leans more toward official notices or commercial advertising.

Common usages include classified ads (anuncio clasificado), employment postings (anuncio de empleo), and various advertising formats such as radio or television spots (anuncio de radio, anuncio televisivo). Anuncio can appear in newspapers, online platforms, posters, and storefronts as a way to attract attention or convey information.

Grammatical notes: anuncio is masculine, with plural form anuncios; typical phrases include anuncio público, anuncio comercial, and anuncio clasificado. In formal writing, an anuncio can emphasize the act of informing rather than selling, while terms like publicidad or propaganda may describe broader advertising practices.

Translations and cognates: in Portuguese, the cognate anúncio has similar meanings. In English, the closest equivalents are “announcement” or “advertisement.”