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A friendly security guard in a simple blue uniform stands inside a small, stylized lookout booth, peering carefully over a colorful, quiet park below.

vigilancia

bi-hi-lan-sia

NounfB1
surveillance?security systems, police work
Also:monitoring?medical or system checks,vigilance?careful watchfulness

📝 In Action

Las cámaras de vigilancia grabaron todo lo que pasó.

B1

The surveillance cameras recorded everything that happened.

El médico puso al paciente bajo estrecha vigilancia.

B2

The doctor put the patient under close monitoring.

La policía aumentó la vigilancia en el barrio después de los robos.

B1

The police increased patrols (or watch) in the neighborhood after the robberies.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • supervisión (supervision)
  • observación (observation)
  • custodia (guard/custody)

Antonyms

  • descuido (neglect/carelessness)
  • abandono (abandonment)

Common Collocations

  • cámara de vigilancia – surveillance camera
  • bajo vigilancia – under watch/surveillance
  • servicios de vigilancia – security services

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Marker

Remember that 'vigilancia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la vigilancia' or 'una vigilancia'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Wrong Part of Speech

Mistake: "Saying 'El guardia hace vigilancia' (The guard does surveillance)."

Correction: Use the related verb: 'El guardia vigila' (The guard watches) or 'El guardia realiza tareas de vigilancia' (The guard carries out surveillance tasks).

⭐ Usage Tips

Watch for the '-ncia' Ending

Many Spanish nouns that end in '-ncia' (like 'paciencia' or 'distancia') are feminine abstract nouns. This is a helpful pattern to recognize!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vigilancia

Question 1 of 1

If a bank installs security cameras, what did they increase?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

vigilar(to watch, to guard) - verb
vigilante(security guard, watchful) - noun/adjective
vigilia(wakefulness, vigil) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common use of 'vigilancia'?

The most common use is in the context of security, especially referring to automated systems like cameras ('cámaras de vigilancia') or organized patrols by police or guards.

Is 'vigilancia' a formal word?

It is a neutral word used widely in everyday conversation, news, and official reports. It is not considered overly formal or slang.