activado
“activado” means “activated” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
activated
Also: on, triggered
📝 In Action
El sistema de seguridad ya está activado.
A2The security system is already activated.
Tengo el modo de ahorro de batería activado.
B1I have the battery saver mode on.
El protocolo de emergencia fue activado inmediatamente.
B2The emergency protocol was triggered immediately.
activated
Also: triggered
📝 In Action
He activado la tarjeta por teléfono.
B1I have activated the card by phone.
El ruido ha activado la alarma.
B1The noise has triggered the alarm.
Habíamos activado el plan antes de la lluvia.
B2We had activated the plan before the rain.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: activado
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'activado' correctly to describe a setting?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'activus' (doing/active), derived from 'actum' (a thing done). It entered Spanish via the verb 'activar'.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'activado' and 'activo'?
'Activado' means something was turned on or triggered (like an alarm). 'Activo' describes something or someone that is energetic or naturally busy (like an active volcano or an active child).
Can I use 'activado' for a light bulb?
Technically yes, but it sounds very formal or technical. It's much more natural to use 'encendido' for lights.
Does 'activado' ever mean 'busy'?
No. To say someone is busy, use 'ocupado'. To say someone is energetic, use 'activo'.