alerta
“alerta” means “alert” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
alert, warning
Also: alarm
📝 In Action
Han declarado una alerta roja por la tormenta.
A2They have declared a red alert because of the storm.
Recibimos una alerta en el teléfono sobre un incendio.
A2We received an alert on the phone about a fire.
La alerta de tsunami se canceló tres horas después.
B1The tsunami warning was canceled three hours later.
alert
Also: on guard
📝 In Action
El guardia siempre está alerta durante la noche.
B1The guard is always alert during the night.
Es importante que los conductores se mantengan alerta.
B2It is important that drivers remain alert.
Las niñas están alerta para ver si llega el cartero.
B1The girls are alert to see if the postman arrives.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alerta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'alerta' as an adjective (describing a state of being)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Italian phrase *all'erta*, which literally means 'on the height' or 'on the hill.' This refers to the historical practice of sending guards to high ground to watch for danger.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'alerta' masculine or feminine?
When 'alerta' is used as a noun (meaning the warning or signal), it is always feminine ('la alerta'). When it is used as an adjective (meaning watchful or vigilant), it is invariable—it doesn't change gender or number.
If I want to use the verb 'to alert,' what word should I use?
The infinitive verb is 'alertar'. For example, 'Debemos alertar a la policía' (We must alert the police). The word 'alerta' itself is the 'él/ella/usted' form of the present tense (e.g., 'Él alerta a sus amigos').