despierto
/des-PYEHR-toh/
awake
Describing someone who is 'awake' (not sleeping).
📝 In Action
El bebé ya está despierto, quiere jugar.
A1The baby is already awake, he wants to play.
Estuve despierto toda la noche estudiando para el examen.
A2I was awake all night studying for the exam.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Estar'
This adjective describes a temporary state, so it almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be in a state), not 'ser' (to be permanent).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "La niña está despierto."
Correction: La niña está despierta. Remember to match the ending (-o for masculine, -a for feminine) to the person or thing you are describing.
Describing someone as 'clever' or mentally quick.
📝 In Action
Es un hombre de negocios muy despierto.
B1He is a very sharp businessman.
La niña es muy despierta y aprende rápido.
B2The girl is very clever and learns quickly.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Sense
In this meaning, 'despierto' describes a lasting quality, so it often pairs with 'ser' (to be permanent) to talk about someone's character: 'Es despierto' (He is clever).
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive Trait
Using 'despierto' to describe a person is always a compliment, meaning they are mentally quick and pay attention.
Conjugated as 'I wake up' (first person singular present tense).
despierto(Verb)
I wake up
?first person singular present tense
,I wake
?transitive action
I rouse
?figurative or formal
📝 In Action
Yo despierto a mi hermano a las siete de la mañana.
A1I wake my brother up at seven in the morning.
¿A qué hora despierto mañana?
A1What time do I wake up tomorrow?
💡 Grammar Points
Stem-Changing Verb
The verb 'despertar' is irregular because the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, like 'yo despierto'. The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms are regular.
Reflexive Use
To say 'I wake myself up,' you must use the reflexive form: 'Me despierto.' If you are waking someone else, use the simple verb form: 'Yo despierto a mi hijo.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo desperto."
Correction: Yo despierto. Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie' when the stress falls on that syllable.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: despierto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'despierto' to mean 'clever' or 'sharp'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'despierto' and 'despertado'?
'Despierto' is the simple adjective meaning 'awake' (e.g., 'El perro está despierto'). 'Despertado' is the past participle of the verb 'despertar' used in perfect tenses, usually paired with 'haber' (e.g., 'Hemos despertado tarde' - We have woken up late).
How do I say 'I woke up' using 'despertar'?
You use the reflexive form in the past tense: 'Me desperté.' (I woke up). If you were waking someone else, you would say 'Yo desperté a Juan.' (I woke up Juan).