In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to highlight a specific, important detail.
- Uses the verb 'caber' to mean 'it is appropriate'.
- Essential for professional emails, reports, and academic writing.
- Remains fixed in the third person; no conjugation needed.
Meaning
Think of this phrase as a verbal highlighter for formal situations. It is a polite way for a speaker to say, 'Wait, this specific detail is important.' It adds a layer of professional objectivity to whatever fact follows it.
Key Examples
3 of 10Professional email about a deadline
Cabe señalar que el plazo de entrega es inamovible.
It should be noted that the delivery deadline is fixed.
News report about a local event
Cabe señalar que la entrada será gratuita para los niños.
It should be noted that entry will be free for children.
Academic essay about history
Cabe señalar que este tratado cambió el mapa de Europa.
It should be noted that this treaty changed the map of Europe.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is a hallmark of 'Castellano culto' (educated Castilian). It is frequently heard in the Spanish Parliament (Las Cortes) during debates. Mexican formal speech often uses 'Cabe señalar' in academic and legal contexts, reflecting a deep respect for formal address (usted) and bureaucratic precision. While Argentines are known for their informal 'voseo', in formal writing and news (like the newspaper La Nación), 'Cabe señalar' is used to maintain a serious, objective tone. Colombian Spanish is often cited as being very 'proper'. 'Cabe señalar' is used frequently in business and polite social interactions to introduce important caveats.
The 'One-Per-Page' Rule
In a formal essay, try not to use this phrase more than once or twice. It's a powerful tool; don't dull its edge by overusing it.
Watch the 'De'
Native speakers often say 'Cabe de señalar' by mistake. If you say it correctly without the 'de', you will actually sound more educated than some natives!
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to highlight a specific, important detail.
- Uses the verb 'caber' to mean 'it is appropriate'.
- Essential for professional emails, reports, and academic writing.
- Remains fixed in the third person; no conjugation needed.
What It Means
Ever wonder why Spanish news anchors sound so incredibly polished?
They often use cabe señalar que to introduce key facts.
This phrase is a powerhouse in professional and academic settings.
It signals that the next piece of information is essential.
It is not just a filler phrase like bueno.
It carries the weight of a formal observation.
Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a sharp suit.
You use it when you want to look serious and informed.
What It Means
At its core, cabe señalar que means 'it is worth noting.'
The word cabe comes from the verb caber, which means 'to fit.'
In this specific context, it suggests that a remark 'has a place.'
It implies that mentioning this detail is appropriate and necessary.
You are essentially saying that there is room for this observation.
It is much more elegant than simply saying 'Look at this.'
It feels objective, as if the fact points itself out.
It is like a spotlight hitting a specific part of a stage.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is surprisingly easy because it rarely changes.
You do not need to conjugate cabe for different people.
It almost always stays in this fixed, third-person singular form.
Simply place cabe señalar que at the start of your sentence.
Follow it immediately with the fact you want to highlight.
For example: Cabe señalar que el proyecto termina mañana.
It acts like a bridge between your previous thought and a caveat.
Do not try to make it plural even if you have many facts.
It is a set expression that functions as a single unit.
It is like a 'copy-paste' tool for sounding smarter instantly.
Formality & Register
This is a high-level phrase, firmly in the B2 territory.
You will hear it in corporate boardrooms and university lectures.
It is a staple of journalistic writing and legal documents.
Do not use this while ordering a beer with your friends.
That would be like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party.
It is perfect for LinkedIn posts or formal email threads.
If you use it in a WhatsApp group, people might think you are joking.
Or they might think you have finally become a serious adult.
It provides a professional distance between you and the information.
It is the 'serious face' of the Spanish language.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are writing a report about a new app.
You might write: Cabe señalar que la interfaz es intuitiva.
Or maybe you are watching a documentary about history.
The narrator will use it to mention a forgotten detail.
In a job interview, it helps you pivot to your strengths.
Cabe señalar que hablo tres idiomas con fluidez.
You will see it in the terms and conditions of websites.
It is everywhere in the 'fine print' of life.
Even TikTokers use it when they do 'educational' deep dives.
It gives their content a sense of researched authority.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to introduce a significant exception.
It is great for clarifying a point that might be misunderstood.
If a statistic is surprising, this phrase prepares the listener.
Use it when you want to avoid sounding too opinionated.
By saying 'it should be noted,' you sound like a neutral observer.
It is perfect for concluding a long professional presentation.
Use it to bring attention to a detail that others missed.
It works well in academic essays to transition between arguments.
It is a great way to show you have considered all angles.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in highly emotional or intimate conversations.
'It should be noted that I love you' sounds like a contract.
Skip it when you are in a rush or being very casual.
Do not use it for obvious things that do not need highlighting.
'It should be noted that the sun is hot' is just weird.
Avoid overusing it in a single paragraph or speech.
If you use it five times, you will sound like a robot.
Do not use it if you are unsure of the fact following it.
This phrase implies that the information is verified and true.
It is not a phrase for gossip or wild rumors.
Common Mistakes
A very common error is adding extra prepositions where they don't belong.
Cabe de señalar que
✓Cabe señalar que
Another mistake is trying to pluralize the verb caber.
Caben señalar que
✓Cabe señalar que
Some learners confuse it with hay que señalar, which is more urgent.
Cabe señalar is more about appropriateness than necessity.
Do not forget the que at the end of the phrase.
Without the que, the sentence usually feels incomplete and awkward.
Make sure the following clause is a full, logical statement.
It is like a pedestal; make sure the statue you put on it is solid.
Common Variations
If you want to mix things up, try Cabe destacar que.
Destacar means 'to stand out,' so it is slightly more emphatic.
You could also use Es importante señalar que for more directness.
In very formal legal texts, you might see Es de señalar que.
For a more modern feel, people sometimes say Hay que precisar que.
Precisar means 'to specify' or 'to clarify.'
Cabe advertir que is used when the note is a warning.
Cabe añadir que is perfect for adding one last little detail.
Each variation changes the 'flavor' of the note slightly.
Like spices, choose the one that fits your specific conversational dish.
Real Conversations
Boss
Employee
Cabe señalar que ya cortamos el presupuesto de marketing.Boss
Journalist
Anchor
Cabe señalar que el gobierno aún no ha respondido.Student A: El examen de mañana parece muy difícil.
Student B: Cabe señalar que el profesor dijo que sería a libro abierto.
Student A: ¡Menos mal! Eso cambia todo el panorama.
Quick FAQ
Is cabe related to the word for head, cabeza?
No, it comes from the verb caber, which means to fit.
Can I use it in a text message to my mom?
Only if you are being sarcastic or pretending to be a lawyer.
Is it more common in Spain or Latin America?
It is used equally across the Spanish-speaking world in formal contexts.
Does it always require the subjunctive mood?
No, it is usually followed by the indicative because you are stating a fact.
Why not just say es importante que?
Cabe señalar is more elegant and sounds less like a personal opinion.
Is there a short version for quick notes?
In written notes, people sometimes just write Nota: or Ojo:.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal and should be used in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts. It remains invariable, so do not conjugate 'cabe' for gender or number. A common pitfall is adding 'de' after 'cabe', which is a grammatical error to be avoided.
The 'One-Per-Page' Rule
In a formal essay, try not to use this phrase more than once or twice. It's a powerful tool; don't dull its edge by overusing it.
Watch the 'De'
Native speakers often say 'Cabe de señalar' by mistake. If you say it correctly without the 'de', you will actually sound more educated than some natives!
Softening the Blow
Use 'Cabría señalar' (conditional) if you are pointing out a mistake someone else made. It sounds much more polite and less aggressive.
Examples
10Cabe señalar que el plazo de entrega es inamovible.
It should be noted that the delivery deadline is fixed.
Sets a professional tone for a strict rule.
Cabe señalar que la entrada será gratuita para los niños.
It should be noted that entry will be free for children.
Highlights a key piece of information for the public.
Cabe señalar que este tratado cambió el mapa de Europa.
It should be noted that this treaty changed the map of Europe.
Emphasizes the historical significance of a fact.
Cabe señalar que la constancia es más importante que la intensidad.
It should be noted that consistency is more important than intensity.
Adds an authoritative 'pro-tip' feel to the post.
Cabe señalar que tengo experiencia previa en este sector.
It should be noted that I have previous experience in this sector.
Points out a qualification in a polished way.
✗ Cabe de señalar que quiero pizza. → ✓ Quiero decir que tengo ganas de pizza.
It fits to point out that I want pizza. → I want to say I feel like pizza.
Don't use 'de' after cabe, and don't use the phrase for casual cravings.
✗ Caben señalar que hay dos problemas. → ✓ Cabe señalar que hay dos problemas.
They fit to point out that there are two problems. → It should be noted that there are two problems.
The verb 'cabe' always stays singular in this expression.
Cabe señalar que el servidor estará en mantenimiento esta noche.
It should be noted that the server will be under maintenance tonight.
Communicates technical information clearly.
Cabe señalar que aquí se requiere un permiso especial para grabar.
It should be noted that a special permit is required to record here.
Informs the audience about a specific rule.
Cabe señalar que soy el único que sabe usar la cafetera.
It should be noted that I am the only one who knows how to use the coffee maker.
Uses formal language for a mundane office fact for comedic effect.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase formal con la forma correcta del verbo 'caber'.
________ señalar que el horario ha cambiado.
In this impersonal expression, the verb 'caber' is always in the third-person singular: 'cabe'.
¿Cuál de estas frases es gramaticalmente correcta?
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The expression does not use 'de' and is not reflexive.
Relaciona la frase con el contexto más adecuado.
Frase: 'Cabe señalar que la garantía no cubre daños por agua.'
This is a formal clarification typical of legal or commercial documents.
Completa el diálogo de la entrevista de trabajo.
Entrevistador: ¿Tiene disponibilidad para viajar? Candidato: Sí, por supuesto. ________ que tengo pasaporte europeo.
'Cabe señalar' is the most appropriate choice for a formal job interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ señalar que el horario ha cambiado.
In this impersonal expression, the verb 'caber' is always in the third-person singular: 'cabe'.
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The expression does not use 'de' and is not reflexive.
Frase: 'Cabe señalar que la garantía no cubre daños por agua.'
This is a formal clarification typical of legal or commercial documents.
Entrevistador: ¿Tiene disponibilidad para viajar? Candidato: Sí, por supuesto. ________ que tengo pasaporte europeo.
'Cabe señalar' is the most appropriate choice for a formal job interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsEs mejor que no. Suena muy serio y formal. Usa 'Por cierto' o 'Te cuento que' en su lugar.
Casi. 'Cabe señalar que' se usa para introducir un hecho, mientras que 'Es importante que' suele ir seguido de un deseo o una orden (subjuntivo).
Porque en sentido figurado significa que algo 'tiene lugar' o 'es oportuno' en la conversación.
Es muy raro. Normalmente se usa en presente ('cabe') o condicional ('cabría').
'Destacar' es más fuerte. Se usa para algo que realmente sobresale. 'Señalar' es para una aclaración importante pero estándar.
Related Phrases
Cabe destacar que
similarIt is worth highlighting that
Es de notar que
synonymIt is to be noted that
Vale mencionar que
similarIt is worth mentioning that
No cabe duda de que
builds onThere is no doubt that
