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How to Say "awake" in Spanish

English → Spanish

despierto

des-PYEHR-toh/desˈpjeɾto/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'despierto' to describe someone who is not asleep and is conscious or alert, often implying a state of being mentally aware.
A young child sitting up in a cozy bed with wide open eyes, looking alert and fully awake.

Examples

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.

levantado

leh-vahn-TAH-doh/le.βanˈta.ðo/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'levantado' to indicate that someone has gotten out of bed and is physically up and about, often implying they have started their day.
A smiling cartoon child wearing pajamas standing fully upright next to their empty bed, indicating they are out of bed.

Examples

¿Ya estás levantado? Son las diez.

Are you up yet? It's ten o'clock.

Mi abuela siempre está levantada a las seis de la mañana.

My grandmother is always up at six in the morning.

The Reflexive Connection

This meaning comes from the verb 'levantarse' (to get oneself up). When you say 'estoy levantado,' you are describing the state that results from the action of getting up.

'Despierto' vs. 'Levantado'

Learners often confuse 'despierto' and 'levantado'. Remember that 'despierto' focuses on the state of being conscious, while 'levantado' emphasizes having physically gotten out of bed.

Related Translations

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