Flecha vs. saeta
While both flecha and saeta can translate to "arrow," flecha is the standard, everyday term used for weaponry, sports, and directional symbols. In contrast, saeta is an archaic or literary term when referring to a weapon, but it has specific modern uses regarding clock hands or religious traditions.
Flecha
A2This is the universal Spanish word for an arrow shot from a bow. It is also the standard term for the graphic symbol used to point direction on signs, keyboards, or computer screens.
El arquero lanzó la flecha directamente al blanco.
(The archer released the arrow straight at the target.)
Debes seguir la flecha amarilla para llegar a la estación.
(You must follow the yellow arrow to get to the station.)
Mueve la flecha del ratón sobre el icono.
(Move the mouse cursor (arrow) over the icon.)
Los indios usaban arco y flecha para cazar.
(The Indians used bow and arrow to hunt.)
Saeta
C1Derived from the Latin word for arrow, this term is now mostly poetic or archaic when referring to a projectile weapon. In modern usage, it often refers to the hand of a clock, a compass needle, or a specific religious song, rather than a physical weapon.
El poeta describió el amor como una saeta dorada.
(The poet described love as a golden arrow.)
La saeta del reloj marcaba las doce en punto.
(The hand of the clock marked twelve o'clock sharp.)
Era una saeta veloz que cruzó el campo de batalla.
(It was a swift dart that crossed the battlefield.)
La brújula tiene una saeta que señala el norte.
(The compass has a needle that points north.)
Summary
Use flecha for all general contexts, including archery, traffic signs, and computer cursors. Use saeta only in literary contexts to sound poetic, or when referring to mechanical pointers like clock hands and compass needles.