alertar
“alertar” means “to alert” in Spanish (giving a warning about something specific).
to alert, to warn
Also: to call attention to
📝 In Action
La aplicación me alertó de un posible retraso.
A2The app alerted me to a possible delay.
Los científicos alertan sobre el aumento del nivel del mar.
B1Scientists warn about the rise in sea level.
Tuvimos que alertar a las autoridades inmediatamente.
B2We had to alert the authorities immediately.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alertar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I alerted the neighbors' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Italian phrase 'all'erta', which means 'on the lookout.' This came from 'erta,' a high place or lookout post.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'alertar' formal?
It is neutral. It's used in everyday news and professional settings, but it's not so formal that you can't use it with friends.
Can I use 'alertar' for a phone alarm?
Yes, you can say 'El teléfono me alertó,' though people often just say 'Sonó la alarma' (The alarm rang).
What is the difference between alertar and avisar?
Alertar is usually for danger or serious situations. Avisar is more general and can be used for simple things like 'let me know when you arrive.'