advertir
“advertir” means “to warn” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to warn, to notice
Also: to realize, to advise
📝 In Action
Te advierto que no es fácil.
B1I warn you (that) it's not easy.
Ella me advirtió sobre el tráfico.
B1She warned me about the traffic.
No advertí que me mirabas.
B2I didn't notice (realize) you were watching me.
Advertí un error en el informe.
B2I noticed a mistake in the report.
to give notice
Also: to warn in advance
📝 In Action
La empresa me advirtó con tres meses de anticipación.
B2The company gave me notice three months in advance.
Debes advertir con al menos dos semanas de plazo.
B2You must give at least two weeks' notice.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: advertir
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'advertir' to mean 'to warn'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'advertere' meaning 'to turn towards' or 'to direct attention to.' The prefix 'ad-' means 'towards' and 'vertere' means 'to turn.' Originally meant to 'turn someone's attention toward' something, which naturally evolved into 'warning' someone or 'noticing' something yourself.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'advertir' and 'avisar'?
Both can mean 'to warn' or 'to tell,' but 'avisar' is more common in everyday conversation, while 'advertir' sounds slightly more formal. Also, 'advertir' specifically means to point out a danger or problem, while 'avisar' can simply mean to inform someone of something.
How do I know when to use the preterite vs. the imperfect?
Use the preterite (advertí, advertiste, advirtió) for completed actions in the past—specific moments when you warned someone or noticed something. Use the imperfect (advertía, advertías, advertía) for ongoing or repeated actions in the past: 'Siempre me advertía de los peligros' (She always warned me about dangers).
Can 'advertir' be used with a reflexive form?
Yes! 'Darse cuenta' is the reflexive form meaning 'to realize.' It's very common: 'Me di cuenta de que había un error' (I realized there was a mistake). Note that 'darse cuenta' uses 'de' before the thing you realized.