vigilar
“vigilar” means “to guard” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to guard, to watch overAlso: to keep watch
📝 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.
Word Connections
to monitor, to superviseAlso: to oversee
📝 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.
Word Connections
to watch, to be careful withAlso: to keep an eye on
📝 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.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "vigilar" in Spanish:
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Latin verb *vigilare*, which meant 'to be awake' or 'to be watchful.' This origin perfectly captures the essence of the word: being mentally alert and ready to act.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.