vigilante
“vigilante” means “security guard” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
security guard
Also: watchman
📝 In Action
El vigilante de seguridad nos pidió la identificación.
A2The security guard asked us for identification.
Trabaja como vigilante nocturno en la fábrica.
B1He works as a night watchman at the factory.
watchful
Also: vigilant, alert
📝 In Action
Debemos mantener una actitud vigilante ante los cambios.
B2We must maintain a watchful attitude regarding the changes.
El perro estaba vigilante en la puerta.
B1The dog was alert at the door.
sweet pastry
Also: cheese and quince dessert
📝 In Action
Compré dos vigilantes y un croissant en la panadería.
B1I bought two 'vigilante' pastries and a croissant at the bakery.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "vigilante" in Spanish:
alert→security guard→sweet pastry→vigilant→watchful→watchman→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vigilante
Question 1 of 2
If you are in a bakery in Buenos Aires and order a 'vigilante', what will you receive?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'vigilans', which comes from 'vigilare' (to stay awake). It shares the same roots as the English word 'vigilant'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vigilante' used for superheroes like Batman?
In Spanish, the word 'justiciero' or 'vengador' is more common for someone who takes the law into their own hands. However, due to the influence of English movies, you might see 'vigilante' used in that context occasionally.
What is the difference between 'un guardia' and 'un vigilante'?
They are very similar. 'Guardia' is a general term for a guard, while 'vigilante' usually refers specifically to private security staff in buildings or malls.