Inklingo

How to Say "pay attention" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pay attention” is “fíjate” — use 'fíjate' as an informal command to tell someone to focus on something specific, often a visual detail or an action.

English → Spanish

fíjate

verb formA2informal
Use 'fíjate' as an informal command to tell someone to focus on something specific, often a visual detail or an action.

Examples

Fíjate bien en cómo abrocho el cinturón de seguridad.

Pay close attention to how I fasten the seatbelt.

escuchen

es-KOO-chenesˈkutʃen

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1
Use 'escuchen' when you want to get a group's attention to listen to something important or to request silence.
A colorful storybook illustration of a figure standing with a raised hand signaling for silence and attention. Two other figures are leaning forward with focused expressions, clearly listening intently.

Examples

¡Escuchen todos! Tenemos un anuncio importante que hacer.

Listen everyone! We have an important announcement to make.

¡Escuchen, por favor! Lo que voy a decir es importante.

Listen, please! What I am going to say is important.

Necesito que ustedes escuchen la canción completa antes de opinar.

I need you all to listen to the complete song before giving an opinion.

Espero que los estudiantes escuchen atentamente las instrucciones.

I hope the students listen carefully to the instructions.

The Formal Group Command

This form, 'escuchen,' is the standard way to tell a group of people (formal 'ustedes') to do something: '¡Escuchen!' (Listen!).

The Subjunctive Mood

'Escuchen' is also the verb form you must use when expressing desires, requests, or uncertainty about what 'they' or 'you all' are doing. Example: 'Quiero que escuchen' (I want them/you all to listen).

Confusing Formal and Informal Plural

Mistake: “Using 'escuchan' (the regular present tense) instead of 'escuchen' for a command. *¡Escuchan!*”

Correction: For a command to a formal group, always use the special command form: *¡Escuchen!* The form 'escuchan' means 'they are listening' (statement, not command).

Choosing between 'fíjate' and 'escuchen'

Learners often confuse 'fíjate' and 'escuchen' because both imply attention. Remember that 'fíjate' is a direct, informal command to focus visually or on an action, while 'escuchen' is a command for a group to listen, often to spoken words.

Related Translations

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