How to Say "monitoring" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “monitoring” is “observando” — use 'observando' when you are actively watching something happen in real-time, like observing an event or people's actions.
observando
ohb-ser-VAHN-dohoβ.seɾˈβan.do
Examples
El científico está observando el comportamiento del animal en su hábitat natural.
The scientist is observing the animal's behavior in its natural habitat.
El astrónomo está observando las estrellas esta noche.
The astronomer is observing the stars tonight.
Ella aprendió mucho solo observando cómo lo hacía su madre.
She learned a lot just by observing how her mother did it.
Estuve observando su comportamiento para ver si había algo raro.
I was watching his behavior to see if there was anything strange.
The Continuous Action Form
This word is the '-ing' form of the verb 'observar.' It is used with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy observando' (I am observing).
Action Happening at the Same Time
You can use 'observando' by itself to show that two actions are happening simultaneously: 'Aprendió observando' (He learned by observing).
Using the wrong helper verb
Mistake: “Soy observando.”
Correction: Estoy observando. You must always use 'estar' (the temporary 'to be') with the '-ando' form to talk about ongoing actions.
vigilando
vee-hee-LAHN-dohbi.xiˈlan.do
Examples
El guardia de seguridad está vigilando el perímetro del edificio toda la noche.
The security guard is watching over the building's perimeter all night.
El guardia está vigilando la entrada principal.
The guard is watching the main entrance.
Llevan horas vigilando el edificio sospechoso.
They have been monitoring the suspicious building for hours.
Ella sigue vigilando el progreso de sus estudiantes.
She continues monitoring her students' progress.
Forming the Continuous Tense
You use 'vigilando' (the gerund) with a form of 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos vigilando' (We are watching).
Using Gerunds with Other Verbs
You can also use 'vigilando' with verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to show an ongoing action: 'Sigo vigilando' (I keep watching).
Mixing up 'ser' and 'estar'
Mistake: “Soy vigilando.”
Correction: Estoy vigilando. Remember, continuous actions always use the verb 'estar', never 'ser'.
seguimiento
seh-ghee-MYEHN-tohseɣiˈmjento
Examples
El paciente requiere un seguimiento médico regular para controlar su condición.
The patient requires regular medical follow-up to control his condition.
El médico le hará un seguimiento cada dos semanas.
The doctor will do a follow-up with him every two weeks.
Puedes hacer el seguimiento de tu pedido en nuestra web.
You can track your order on our website.
Es importante dar seguimiento a los clientes nuevos.
It is important to follow up with new clients.
Using 'Seguimiento' with Verbs
This word is almost always used with the verbs 'hacer' (to do/make) or 'dar' (to give). In business, 'dar seguimiento' is very common for 'following up' on a task.
Don't use it as a verb
Mistake: “Yo seguimiento el paquete.”
Correction: Yo hago el seguimiento del paquete.
supervisión
Examples
La supervisión de un adulto es necesaria para los niños pequeños en la piscina.
An adult's supervision is necessary for young children at the pool.
vigilancia
bi-hi-lan-siabi.xiˈlan.sja
Examples
La policía instaló cámaras de vigilancia en las calles principales.
The police installed surveillance cameras on the main streets.
Las cámaras de vigilancia grabaron todo lo que pasó.
The surveillance cameras recorded everything that happened.
El médico puso al paciente bajo estrecha vigilancia.
The doctor put the patient under close monitoring.
La policía aumentó la vigilancia en el barrio después de los robos.
The police increased patrols (or watch) in the neighborhood after the robberies.
Feminine Noun Marker
Remember that 'vigilancia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la vigilancia' or 'una vigilancia'.
Using the Wrong Part of Speech
Mistake: “Saying 'El guardia hace vigilancia' (The guard does surveillance).”
Correction: Use the related verb: 'El guardia vigila' (The guard watches) or 'El guardia realiza tareas de vigilancia' (The guard carries out surveillance tasks).
Verb vs. Noun Confusion
Related Translations
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