milepost (problem with double meaning in Spanish)

Question

I have a wee doubt concerning the word I've been using as "milepost" - mojón - because a Spanish friend and Peruvian friend have both recently told me that it means something else as well! (They said it can also mean "poo" or "jobby" as we say in Scotland.)

..

Could I used another word for "milestone" in case using this word causes confusion or offence?? Would any of these do?

• jalón
• poste indicador
• señal (en la carretera)

Many thanks, as always.

Answer 1

It looks like the proper meaning is indeed milestone and this is understood by most. I would say, it would be a matter of context and the mindset of the crowd you're hangin' with.

What I'm concerned about it saying "There'a a milestone/poo in the road"! This could be understood either way even within the context! :S - amy_moreno, Apr 21, 2011

Hmm... well, I wouldn't want to hit either, so I think you'll be ok. ;-P - DJ_Huero, Apr 21, 2011

Answer 2

" Hito" comes from DRAE as the equivalent of a milepost in spanish, I am sure there are other words used as well, depending on your country.

link text

Answer 3

At least in Argentina (where I live), we use "monolito", but "poste" or "señal" would do too, depending on context. "Hito" is the word that appears in the dictionary, although you should try to adapt your register and localization depending on who/where you're talking.

I hope this answer is useful to you!

Maybe monolito, but poste and señal are different than a milestone (atleast when translating in English) - DJ_Huero, Apr 13, 2011