observador
“observador” means “observant” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
observant
Also: keen, watchful
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es muy observador y nota cada pequeño cambio.
A2My brother is very observant and notices every small change.
Para ser un buen detective, hay que ser muy observador.
B1To be a good detective, you have to be very keen-eyed.
Gracias a su espíritu observador, evitó un accidente.
B2Thanks to his watchful spirit, he avoided an accident.
observer
Also: witness, monitor
📝 In Action
El observador de la ONU llegó para supervisar las elecciones.
B1The UN observer arrived to oversee the elections.
Desde mi posición como observador, vi todo lo que pasó.
B2From my position as an observer, I saw everything that happened.
Los científicos necesitan ser buenos observadores de la naturaleza.
C1Scientists need to be good observers of nature.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: observador
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'She is very observant'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'observator', which comes from 'observare' (to watch over or look at). The root 'servare' means to keep or guard.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'observador' the same as 'mirón'?
No. 'Observador' is neutral or positive (meaning attentive), while 'mirón' is informal and often negative, meaning a 'peeping tom' or someone who stares nosily.
Can I use 'observante' to mean observant?
In most cases, no. 'Observante' is specifically used to describe someone who follows religious rules strictly (a practicing member). Use 'observador' for someone who notices things.
Does it mean 'looker'?
Not in the sense of 'good-looking person.' It specifically means someone who is looking/watching closely.