despierta
“despierta” means “awake” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
awake
Also: alert, clever
📝 In Action
La bebé no está dormida, está despierta.
A1The baby is not asleep, she is awake.
Mi hermana es muy despierta para los negocios.
B1My sister is very sharp/clever when it comes to business.
La ciudad está despierta a estas horas.
B2The city is awake/lively at these hours.
wakes up
Also: is waking (up)
📝 In Action
Ella se despierta a las siete de la mañana.
A1She wakes up at seven in the morning.
El fuerte ruido despierta a los vecinos.
A2The loud noise wakes up the neighbors.
Usted nunca despierta de mal humor.
A2You (formal) never wake up in a bad mood.
Wake up!
Also: Pay attention!
📝 In Action
¡Despierta, que llegamos tarde al bus!
A1Wake up! We're going to be late for the bus!
¡Despierta! Tienes que concentrarte en la clase.
B1Pay attention! You have to concentrate in class.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: despierta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'despierta' as an adjective (a descriptive state)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from a root meaning 'to stop sleeping' or 'to become vigilant.' It descends from the Vulgar Latin verb *expergilāre* (to be vigilant or wide awake), replacing the classical Latin word for waking up.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (13th Century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'despierta' is a verb or an adjective?
If it follows a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'está despierta'), it is an adjective describing a state. If it is used without 'estar,' or appears at the beginning of a sentence with an exclamation mark, it is usually the verb form (either the command or the present tense action).
Can I use 'despierta' to mean 'clever' or 'sharp'?
Yes! This is a very common and natural way to compliment a girl or woman on being quick-witted, observant, or good at business or strategy. It implies mental alertness.