velar
“velar” means “to watch over” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to watch over, to stay awake
Also: to ensure, to keep a vigil
📝 In Action
La madre se quedó toda la noche para velar a su hijo enfermo.
A2The mother stayed up all night to watch over her sick son.
Debemos velar por el bienestar de los animales.
B1We must ensure/look after the well-being of the animals.
Los guardias velan el edificio durante la madrugada.
B2The guards watch over the building during the early morning hours.
to veil, to blur
Also: to fog
📝 In Action
La niebla veló la cima de la montaña.
B2The fog obscured the mountain peak.
Si abres la cámara ahora, se va a velar el carrete.
C1If you open the camera now, the film will be ruined (fogged).
Ella veló su tristeza con una sonrisa.
B2She veiled her sadness with a smile.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: velar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'to ensure' or 'look after' someone's rights?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from two different Latin sources that merged in Spanish: 'vigilāre' (to stay awake/watch) and 'vēlāre' (to cover with a veil).
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'velar' mean the same thing as 'cuidar'?
They are similar, but 'velar' implies a more intense, constant watching, often during the night or with a sense of high responsibility.
Is 'velar' a stem-changing verb?
No, 'velar' is completely regular. Unlike 'volar' (to fly) which changes from o to ue, 'velar' keeps its 'e' in all forms.
Can 'velar' be used for a funeral?
Yes, 'velar a alguien' is the standard way to say you are holding a wake or keeping a vigil for someone who has passed away.