Inklingo

How to Say "alert" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “alert” is “alerta” — use 'alerta' as a noun when referring to an official warning or signal, especially one indicating danger or a specific condition like a weather alert..

alerta🔊A2

Use 'alerta' as a noun when referring to an official warning or signal, especially one indicating danger or a specific condition like a weather alert.

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despierto🔊A1

Use 'despierto' to describe someone who is physically awake and not sleeping, indicating a basic state of being conscious and not asleep.

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atento🔊B2

Use 'atento' to tell someone to pay close attention or to be mindful of a specific event or instruction, implying focused awareness.

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advertencia🔊A2

Use 'advertencia' for a noun meaning a warning or caution, often given to prevent someone from making a mistake or facing danger.

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vigilante🔊B2

Use 'vigilante' to describe someone who is actively on guard, watchful, and ready to act, often in a context requiring security or constant observation.

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consciente🔊B2

Use 'consciente' specifically in a medical or psychological context to mean 'conscious,' referring to being awake and aware, especially after an injury or medical event.

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English → Spanish

alerta

/a-LER-ta//aˈleɾta/

nounA2general
Use 'alerta' as a noun when referring to an official warning or signal, especially one indicating danger or a specific condition like a weather alert.
A stylized illustration of a simple, bright red emergency warning light flashing rapidly on a dark pole, signifying an alarm or signal.

Examples

Se activó una alerta de tsunami en la costa.

A tsunami alert was activated on the coast.

Han declarado una alerta roja por la tormenta.

They have declared a red alert because of the storm.

Recibimos una alerta en el teléfono sobre un incendio.

We received an alert on the phone about a fire.

La alerta de tsunami se canceló tres horas después.

The tsunami warning was canceled three hours later.

Gender Note

Remember that 'alerta' as a signal or warning is always feminine: 'la alerta'.

It Stays the Same

This adjective is special because it does not change its ending to match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural). It always stays 'alerta' (e.g., 'los hombres están alerta', 'la mujer está alerta').

Do Not Add an 'S'

Mistake: “Los niños están alertas.”

Correction: Los niños están alerta. (The word 'alerta' does not take an 's' when used as an adjective.)

alerta

/a-LER-ta//aˈleɾta/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'alerta' as an adjective to describe someone who is watchful, ready, and actively paying attention to their surroundings.
A stylized illustration of a simple, bright red emergency warning light flashing rapidly on a dark pole, signifying an alarm or signal.

Examples

El perro está alerta a cualquier ruido en la calle.

The dog is alert to any noise in the street.

Han declarado una alerta roja por la tormenta.

They have declared a red alert because of the storm.

Recibimos una alerta en el teléfono sobre un incendio.

We received an alert on the phone about a fire.

La alerta de tsunami se canceló tres horas después.

The tsunami warning was canceled three hours later.

Gender Note

Remember that 'alerta' as a signal or warning is always feminine: 'la alerta'.

It Stays the Same

This adjective is special because it does not change its ending to match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural). It always stays 'alerta' (e.g., 'los hombres están alerta', 'la mujer está alerta').

Do Not Add an 'S'

Mistake: “Los niños están alertas.”

Correction: Los niños están alerta. (The word 'alerta' does not take an 's' when used as an adjective.)

despierto

des-PYEHR-toh/desˈpjeɾto/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'despierto' to describe someone who is physically awake and not sleeping, indicating a basic state of being conscious and not asleep.
A young child sitting up in a cozy bed with wide open eyes, looking alert and fully awake.

Examples

A las 7 de la mañana ya estaba despierto.

At 7 in the morning, he was already awake.

El bebé ya está despierto, quiere jugar.

The baby is already awake, he wants to play.

Estuve despierto toda la noche estudiando para el examen.

I was awake all night studying for the exam.

Use with 'Estar'

This adjective describes a temporary state, so it almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be in a state), not 'ser' (to be permanent).

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La niña está despierto.”

Correction: La niña está despierta. Remember to match the ending (-o for masculine, -a for feminine) to the person or thing you are describing.

atento

/ah-TEN-toh//aˈtento/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'atento' to tell someone to pay close attention or to be mindful of a specific event or instruction, implying focused awareness.
A storybook illustration of a meerkat standing tall on alert, vigilantly watching its surroundings.

Examples

Por favor, estén atentos a las indicaciones del guía.

Please, be attentive to the guide's instructions.

Estén atentos a la hora de salida del tren.

Be alert for the train's departure time.

El vigilante debe estar atento toda la noche.

The guard must be on the lookout all night.

Use with 'Estar'

This meaning is almost always used with the verb estar because it describes a temporary state of readiness or vigilance.

advertencia

ahd-vehr-TEHN-syah/að.βeɾˈten.sja/

nounA2general
Use 'advertencia' for a noun meaning a warning or caution, often given to prevent someone from making a mistake or facing danger.
A small, worried character standing on safe ground, urgently pointing toward a deep, visible fissure or crack in the earth to caution someone about the danger ahead.

Examples

El médico me dio una advertencia sobre los efectos secundarios.

The doctor gave me a warning about the side effects.

El cartel de la piscina tenía una advertencia clara sobre la profundidad.

The pool sign had a clear warning about the depth.

Ignoró la advertencia del médico y siguió comiendo dulces.

He ignored the doctor's warning and kept eating sweets.

Recibió una advertencia por llegar tarde al trabajo tres veces.

She received a warning for being late to work three times.

Gender Rule

Even though 'advertencia' starts with 'a,' it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (la advertencia).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'advertencia' when you mean the action of warning ('advertir').”

Correction: Remember, 'advertencia' is the thing (the warning itself). The verb is 'advertir' (to warn).

vigilante

/bee-hee-LAHN-teh//bi.xi.ˈlan.te/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'vigilante' to describe someone who is actively on guard, watchful, and ready to act, often in a context requiring security or constant observation.
An owl perched on a branch with its eyes wide open, looking around carefully.

Examples

El personal de seguridad debe permanecer vigilante toda la noche.

Security personnel must remain vigilant all night.

Debemos mantener una actitud vigilante ante los cambios.

We must maintain a watchful attitude regarding the changes.

El perro estaba vigilante en la puerta.

The dog was alert at the door.

Describing things

Because this word ends in -e, it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing.

consciente

kon-syen-teh/konˈsjen.te/

adjectiveB2medical
Use 'consciente' specifically in a medical or psychological context to mean 'conscious,' referring to being awake and aware, especially after an injury or medical event.
A figure sitting upright in a comfortable chair, eyes wide open and alert, indicating wakefulness and being conscious.

Examples

El paciente estaba consciente después de la operación.

The patient was conscious after the operation.

Después del accidente, el conductor estaba consciente y podía hablar.

After the accident, the driver was conscious and could speak.

Ella permaneció consciente a pesar del dolor.

She remained conscious despite the pain.

Using 'Estar'

For this meaning (the physical state of being awake or responsive), you must use the verb 'estar' (to be in a temporary state), not 'ser'.

Confusing 'Alerta' with 'Atento' or 'Despierto'

Learners often confuse 'alerta' (adjective) with 'atento' and 'despierto'. Remember 'despierto' simply means not asleep, while 'alerta' implies active watchfulness. 'Atento' is about paying focused attention to something specific, whereas 'alerta' is a more general state of being watchful.

Related Translations

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