vigilante
/bee-hee-LAHN-teh/
security guard
A 'vigilante' is a person who protects a building or area.
vigilante(noun)
security guard
?a person who protects a building or area
watchman
?someone who keeps watch at night
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
One word for everyone
This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. Use 'el vigilante' for a man and 'la vigilante' for a woman.
⭐ Usage Tips
Not just for superheroes
While in English 'vigilante' often means a superhero like Batman, in Spanish it's the standard word for a professional security guard.
As an adjective, 'vigilante' means being watchful and paying close attention.
vigilante(adjective)
watchful
?paying close attention to avoid danger
vigilant
?keeping careful watch
,alert
?ready to act
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing things
Because this word ends in -e, it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing.
In some regions, a 'vigilante' is a specific type of long, sweet pastry.
vigilante(noun)
sweet pastry
?a specific type of long, thin pastry
cheese and quince dessert
?known as 'postre vigilante' in Argentina
📝 In Action
Compré dos vigilantes y un croissant en la panadería.
B1I bought two 'vigilante' pastries and a croissant at the bakery.
⭐ Usage Tips
Fun fact
Legend says these pastries were named 'vigilantes' because they were popular with police officers who needed a quick snack while on duty.
✏️ 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
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.