vigilar
/vee-hee-LAHR/
to guard
Use vigilar when someone needs to guard something, like a security officer protecting valuables.
vigilar(verb)
to guard
?physical security or protection
,to watch over
?a person or place
to keep watch
?general surveillance
📝 In Action
El guardia tiene que vigilar la entrada toda la noche.
A2The guard has to watch (guard) the entrance all night.
Por favor, vigila mi bolso mientras voy al baño.
A2Please, watch over my bag while I go to the bathroom.
Los padres vigilan a sus hijos mientras juegan.
A2The parents watch over their children while they play.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object
In this sense, 'vigilar' usually takes a direct object (the person or thing being watched) without needing a preposition.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Mirar'
Mistake: "Usar 'mirar' cuando se necesita 'vigilar' (e.g., 'Miré a los niños' when you mean 'I watched over the children')."
Correction: 'Mirar' means simply 'to look at' or 'to watch for enjoyment.' 'Vigilar' means 'to watch carefully with responsibility or alertness.' Use 'vigilar' when protecting or supervising.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Responsibility
Think of 'vigilar' as having a duty to keep something safe or monitored. If you are responsible for it, use 'vigilar'.
We use vigilar when we need to monitor data or the progress of a process.
vigilar(verb)
to monitor
?progress, data, or processes
,to supervise
?work or exams
to oversee
?a project or task
📝 In Action
La agencia está vigilando de cerca la calidad del agua.
B1The agency is closely monitoring the water quality.
El director tiene que vigilar que todos los empleados cumplan las normas.
B2The director has to supervise that all employees follow the rules.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Que'
When 'vigilar' refers to making sure something happens, it often uses 'que' followed by the verb that describes the action being checked: 'vigilar que + verb'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
When talking about professional oversight or tracking metrics, 'vigilar' is more formal and specific than general observation.
You can use vigilar when you need to watch or pay close attention to your health or diet.
vigilar(verb)
to watch
?diet, weight, or health indicators
,to be careful with
?an activity or habit
to keep an eye on
?health symptoms
📝 In Action
Debo vigilar mi consumo de azúcar si quiero estar sano.
B2I must watch (monitor) my sugar consumption if I want to be healthy.
El doctor nos pidió vigilar la temperatura del bebé.
B2The doctor asked us to watch (monitor) the baby's temperature.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
In this context, 'vigilar' implies active management or effort, not just passive observation. It means 'to proactively manage by watching closely'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vigilar
Question 1 of 2
Which English verb best captures the meaning of 'vigilar' in the sentence: 'El gobierno debe vigilar los precios de la gasolina'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vigilar' and 'mirar'?
'Mirar' is simple observation, meaning 'to look at' or 'to watch' (like watching a movie). 'Vigilar' means 'to watch carefully or guard,' implying responsibility, duty, or close attention, often to prevent something bad from happening.
Can I use 'vigilar' to mean 'to spy'?
Yes, 'vigilar' often carries the meaning of 'surveillance' or 'keeping under observation,' especially by authorities, which is very close to 'to spy' or 'to watch secretly'.