atento
/ah-TEN-toh/
attentive
Atento means being focused and attentive to what is happening.
atento(Adjective)
attentive
?focused on something
,focused
?mentally engaged
mindful
?paying close attention
📝 In Action
El niño estaba atento a las instrucciones del profesor.
A2The child was attentive to the teacher's instructions.
Ella es muy atenta cuando lee un libro difícil.
B1She is very focused when she reads a difficult book.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Ending
As an adjective, 'atento' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: atento (masculine singular), atenta (feminine singular), atentos (masculine plural), atentas (feminine plural).
Using 'a'
When you say what someone is attentive to, you almost always need the little word 'a' (to/at): 'atento a la pantalla' (attentive to the screen).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Estaba atento el programa."
Correction: Estaba atento **al** programa. (You must use 'a' before the thing you are focused on.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Temporary Focus
When talking about being focused right now, use the verb estar (e.g., Estoy atento). If you use ser (Soy atento), it means you are a generally polite person (see next definition).
Being atento also means being courteous, polite, and helpful to others.
atento(Adjective)
courteous
?polite and helpful
,thoughtful
?considerate of others
kind
?showing kindness
📝 In Action
El personal del hotel fue muy atento con nosotros.
B1The hotel staff was very courteous to us.
Mi vecino es muy atento; siempre me ayuda con las bolsas.
B2My neighbor is very thoughtful; he always helps me with the bags.
💡 Grammar Points
Character Trait
When describing someone's typical personality—that they are always a polite person—use the verb ser (e.g., Ella es atenta).
⭐ Usage Tips
Service Industry
This meaning is often used to compliment excellent service in restaurants or hotels, highlighting the staff's thoughtfulness.
When someone is atento, they are alert and watchful, observing everything around them.
atento(Adjective)
alert
?vigilant, watchful
,on the lookout
?watching for something specific
ready
?prepared for action
📝 In Action
Estén atentos a la hora de salida del tren.
B2Be alert for the train's departure time.
El vigilante debe estar atento toda la noche.
B2The guard must be on the lookout all night.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Estar'
This meaning is almost always used with the verb estar because it describes a temporary state of readiness or vigilance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'atento' to describe a permanent character trait (politeness)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ser atento' and 'estar atento'?
'Ser atento' (using the verb *ser*) describes someone's typical personality—they are a generally thoughtful or polite person. 'Estar atento' (using the verb *estar*) describes a temporary state—you are focused or alert right now.
How do I make 'atento' plural?
Just add an 's' to the end. If you are talking about a group of boys, it's 'atentos.' If you are talking about a group of girls, it's 'atentas.' Remember, the ending must match the group!