Inklingo

How to Say "pay attention!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

concéntrate

Verb (Command Form)A2Informal
Use this when you need someone to focus their mind and stop being distracted, often to complete a task or avoid errors.

Examples

¡Concéntrate! No podemos perder más tiempo.

Concentrate! We can't waste any more time.

despierta

des-pyair-tah/desˈpjeɾta/

VerbA1Informal
Use this to tell someone to become alert or aware of their surroundings, often because something important is happening or they are being inattentive.
An adult figure leaning over a bed and gently touching the shoulder of a figure sleeping under a blanket, urging them to wake up.

Examples

¡Despierta, que llegamos tarde al bus!

Wake up! We're going to be late for the bus!

¡Despierta! Tienes que concentrarte en la clase.

Pay attention! You have to concentrate in class.

Affirmative Tú Command

When you want to give a friendly or informal command to 'tú' (a friend or relative), the verb form you use is usually the same as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form. That's why 'despierta' serves two roles!

escuchad

es-koo-CHAD/eskuˈtʃað/

VerbA2Informal
Use this when you want a group of people to listen carefully and give their full attention to what is being said, often for instructions or important information.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a central adult figure raising one hand dramatically to command attention. Three surrounding figures immediately stop moving and turn their heads toward the central figure, indicating they are listening.

Examples

¡Chicos, escuchad atentamente lo que voy a decir!

Kids, listen carefully to what I am going to say!

Escuchad, por favor, si queréis entender las instrucciones del juego.

Listen, please, if you want to understand the game instructions.

The 'You All' Command (Vosotros)

This is the command form used when you are speaking to multiple people informally, like friends or family. This form is standard throughout Spain.

Forming the Command

To create a positive 'vosotros' command for most -AR verbs, you take the infinitive (escuchAR) and change the final 'R' to a 'D' (escuchAD). This is a helpful pattern to memorize!

Confusing Command and Statement

Mistake: “Using 'escucháis' when you mean 'listen!'”

Correction: The statement 'You all listen' is 'Vosotros escucháis'. The command is '¡Escuchad!'. The command form is distinct from the regular present tense.

Focus vs. Alertness

Learners often confuse 'concéntrate' (focus intently) with 'despierta' (be alert/wake up). Remember, 'concéntrate' is for mental focus on a task, while 'despierta' is about becoming aware of external stimuli or a situation.

Related Translations

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