notar
“notar” means “to notice” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to notice
Also: to feel, to perceive
📝 In Action
Noté un olor a café en cuanto entré.
A2I noticed a smell of coffee as soon as I walked in.
¿Notas el frío aquí?
A1Do you feel the cold here?
Se nota que estás cansado.
B1It’s noticeable that you are tired.
to note
Also: to mark
📝 In Action
El secretario notó los nombres de los asistentes.
C1The secretary noted the names of the attendees.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: notar
Question 1 of 2
How would you say 'It's obvious that you're happy'?
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📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'notare', meaning to mark, designate, or observe.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'notar' the same as 'sentir'?
They are close! 'Sentir' is deeper and often refers to emotions or internal physical feelings (like pain). 'Notar' is more about observing a change or a specific detail with your senses.
Can I use 'notar' to mean 'to take notes'?
While technically correct, it's very rare today. You should use 'tomar notas' or 'anotar' instead.