Inklingo
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atención

ah-ten-see-OHNaten'sjon

attention

Also: notice, concentration
NounfA1
A focused child attentively watching a bright orange butterfly resting on a purple flower in a garden.

📝 In Action

Por favor, presta atención.

A1

Please, pay attention.

El niño intentaba llamar la atención de su madre.

A2

The boy was trying to get his mother's attention.

Gracias por su atención.

A1

Thank you for your attention.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • concentración (concentration)
  • foco (focus)

Antonyms

  • distracción (distraction)
  • desinterés (disinterest)

Common Collocations

  • prestar atención – to pay attention
  • llamar la atención – to get/draw attention
  • el centro de atención – the center of attention

service

Also: care, courtesy
NounfB1
A friendly store clerk standing behind a counter, smiling and carefully handing a wrapped gift package to a grateful customer.

📝 In Action

La atención al cliente en esta tienda es fantástica.

B1

The customer service in this store is fantastic.

Necesito atención médica urgente.

B1

I need urgent medical care.

Agradezco todas tus atenciones durante mi visita.

B2

I appreciate all your kindness/attentiveness during my visit.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • atención al cliente – customer service
  • atención médica – medical care
  • atención primaria – primary care (medical)

Attention!

Also: Listen up!, Excuse me!
A figure in a bright uniform standing on a small hill, raising their hand in a clear, commanding stop gesture, capturing the immediate focus of a group of people below.

📝 In Action

¡Atención, por favor! El vuelo a Madrid va a embarcar.

A2

Attention, please! The flight to Madrid is now boarding.

¡Atención! Cuidado con el escalón.

A2

Attention! Watch out for the step.

Word Connections

Idioms & Expressions

  • A la atención de... – Used at the start of a formal letter or email to specify the recipient, like 'Attn:' or 'For the attention of...'

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "atención" in Spanish:

listen up!→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: atención

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'atención' to talk about good service at a hotel?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónaccióncorazónrazón
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'attentio', which is made from 'ad-' (meaning 'to, toward') and 'tendere' (meaning 'to stretch'). So, the original idea was 'stretching the mind toward' something.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: attentionFrench: attentionItalian: attenzionePortuguese: atenção

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Spanish speakers say 'prestar atención' instead of 'pagar atención' like in English?

It's a great question because it highlights a key difference between the languages. In Spanish, your focus is seen as something you 'lend' ('prestar'), not something you 'pay' with ('pagar'). The verb 'pagar' is almost exclusively for money. Memorizing 'prestar atención' as a single chunk is the best way to get it right every time.

What's the difference between 'atención' and 'cuidado'?

They can both translate to 'care', but they have different vibes. 'Atención' is about mental focus ('pay attention') or service ('customer care'). 'Cuidado' is about being careful to avoid danger or a mistake ('Be careful!' is '¡Cuidado!').