How to Say "to alert" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to alert” is “alertar” — use 'alertar' when giving a specific warning about something concrete, like a notification or a heads-up about an impending event.
Use 'alertar' when giving a specific warning about something concrete, like a notification or a heads-up about an impending event.
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Choose 'alarmar' when the intention is to put someone on guard against a significant danger or threat, often implying a more serious or widespread concern.
Learn more →ah-lehr-taralerˈtaɾ
Examples
La aplicación me alertó de un posible retraso.
The app alerted me to a possible delay.
Los científicos alertan sobre el aumento del nivel del mar.
Scientists warn about the rise in sea level.
Tuvimos que alertar a las autoridades inmediatamente.
We had to alert the authorities immediately.
The Personal 'A' with Alertar
When you are alerting a specific person or group of people, you must use the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Alerté a mi madre'.
Using 'Sobre' and 'De'
To say what you are warning someone about, you usually use the words 'sobre' or 'de' after the verb.
Alertar vs. Alarma
Mistake: “Me alarmé sobre el tiempo.”
Correction: Me alertaron sobre el tiempo (Someone warned me) or 'La alarma sonó' (The alarm went off). 'Alertar' is the action of warning; 'alarmar' is more about causing worry or panic.
ah-lahr-MAHRalaɾˈmaɾ
Examples
El centinela alarmó a la tropa al ver el humo.
The sentry alerted the troops upon seeing the smoke.
The Meaning of Alert
In this sense, it means putting someone on the lookout rather than just making them feel an emotion.
Alarmar vs. Alertar
Learners often confuse 'alarmar' and 'alertar' because both involve warnings. Remember that 'alertar' is for specific, often less severe, notifications, while 'alarmar' implies a more serious warning about danger.
Related Translations
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