avisar
/ah-vee-SAHR/
notify
When you use avisar to mean 'notify,' you are letting someone know important information.
avisar(verb)
notify
?to let someone know
,inform
?to give information
let know
?casual usage
,tell (someone something)
?when giving a heads-up
📝 In Action
Avísame cuando llegues a casa, por favor.
A1Let me know when you get home, please.
Tengo que avisar a mi jefe que no podré ir mañana.
A2I have to inform my boss that I won't be able to go tomorrow.
El banco nos avisó del cambio de horario por correo electrónico.
B1The bank notified us of the change in schedule via email.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for the Person
When you say WHO you are informing, you must use the word 'a' before the person, like saying 'to' them: 'Avise a Juan' (Inform Juan).
Using 'de' for the Topic
When you specify WHAT you are informing about, use 'de' (of/about): 'Avísame del cambio' (Let me know of the change). If you use a full sentence, use 'que': 'Avísame que vas a llegar tarde'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'a' before the person
Mistake: "Avise mi madre."
Correction: Avise a mi madre. (Spanish always needs that 'a' before a person when they receive the action.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Quick Head-Up
Avisar is perfect for giving a quick 'heads-up' or warning about a change, like saying, 'Just letting you know, the meeting is cancelled.'
To avisar can also mean to warn or caution someone about potential danger.
📝 In Action
El guardia civil nos avisó del tráfico pesado en la carretera.
B1The police officer warned us about the heavy traffic on the road.
Te avisé que ese perro muerde, ¿por qué lo tocaste?
B2I warned you that dog bites, why did you touch it?
Los científicos avisaron al gobierno sobre el riesgo de inundación.
C1The scientists cautioned the government about the risk of flooding.
💡 Grammar Points
Warning vs. Telling
When 'avisar' means 'to warn,' it often focuses on preventing a bad outcome. The structure remains the same as 'to inform': 'avisar a alguien de algo' (warn someone of something).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Past Tense
When you use 'avisar' in the past (like 'Te avisé'), it implies a strong sense of 'I told you so' or 'I warned you already.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: avisar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'avisar' in the sense of 'to warn' about a potential danger?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I use 'avisar' or 'decir' (to say/tell)?
Use 'avisar' when giving a heads-up, notice, or warning about something that is happening or is about to happen (like a change of plans). Use 'decir' for general statements, commands, or relaying conversations.
Is 'avisar' reflexive (e.g., avisarse)?
Yes, but it's less common. 'Avisarse' means 'to become aware of' or 'to inform oneself.' For example: 'Se avisó del problema a tiempo' (He became aware of the problem in time).