Inklingo

How to Say "awareness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conciencia

kon-SYEN-see-ah/konˈsjen.sja/

nounB2General
Use 'conciencia' when referring to the state of being conscious or aware of one's surroundings or existence, often in a medical or philosophical context.
A person holding a brightly colored puzzle piece that is about to fit perfectly into a waiting space, symbolizing awareness or sudden knowledge.

Examples

El conductor no tenía conciencia del peligro.

The driver was not aware of the danger.

El paciente perdió la conciencia después de la caída.

The patient lost consciousness after the fall.

Debemos tomar conciencia de la importancia de reciclar.

We must become aware (gain awareness) of the importance of recycling.

Taking Action

The verb 'tomar' (to take) is commonly used with 'conciencia' to mean 'to become aware' or 'to realize a serious situation'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Saying 'hacer conciencia' to mean 'become aware'.”

Correction: Always use 'tomar conciencia' or 'adquirir conciencia' (to acquire awareness).

conocimiento

ko-no-see-MYEN-toh/konoθiˈmjento/

nounC1General
Choose 'conocimiento' when you mean having information, understanding, or expertise about a particular subject or skill.
A skilled carpenter wearing a simple apron carefully measuring a perfectly crafted wooden object with a specialized caliper tool, demonstrating precision.

Examples

Tengo conocimiento sobre la historia de España.

I have knowledge about the history of Spain.

Necesitamos un ingeniero con conocimientos de robótica.

We need an engineer with knowledge/expertise in robotics.

Puso el plan en marcha sin el conocimiento de su jefe.

He launched the plan without the awareness/knowledge of his boss.

Hicimos un primer conocimiento mutuo en la conferencia.

We made our initial acquaintance at the conference. (Formal use)

Plural for Skills

When talking about professional or technical skills (like programming or finance), Spanish almost always uses the plural: conocimientos.

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

nounB2General
Use 'sentido' when 'awareness' implies a 'sense of' something, like a sense of duty, humor, or common sense.
A cartoon character wisely wearing a heavy coat and hat while walking in the snow, illustrating common sense.

Examples

Ella tiene un gran sentido de la responsabilidad.

She has a great sense of responsibility.

Por favor, usa el sentido común.

Please, use common sense.

Tiene un gran sentido del humor.

He has a great sense of humor.

El boxeador perdió el sentido tras el golpe.

The boxer lost consciousness after the punch.

Conciencia vs. Conocimiento

Learners often confuse 'conciencia' and 'conocimiento'. Remember that 'conciencia' relates to being awake and aware (like consciousness), while 'conocimiento' refers to possessing information or knowledge about a topic.

Related Translations

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