How to Say "stays awake" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “stays awake” is “vela” — B1 level.
Examples
La enfermera vela por el paciente toda la noche.
The nurse watches over the patient all night.
Él vela para terminar su proyecto a tiempo.
He stays awake (keeps vigil) to finish his project on time.
Usted vela por la seguridad de todos.
You (formal) ensure the safety of everyone.
The 'Por' Connection
When 'velar' means 'to watch over' or 'to ensure,' it almost always requires the preposition 'por' immediately after it: 'velar por algo/alguien'.
Confusing Verb and Noun
Mistake: “Using 'vela' (the verb conjugation) when you mean 'la vela' (the object).”
Correction: Remember that the verb 'vela' needs a subject (he/she/it) and context, while the noun 'la vela' refers to the object itself.
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