How to Say "triggered" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “triggered” is “activado” — use 'activado' when referring to systems, alarms, or sensors that have been turned on or made operational.
activado
ahk-tee-BAH-dohak.tiˈβa.ðo
Examples
El sistema de seguridad ya está activado.
The security system is already activated.
Tengo el modo de ahorro de batería activado.
I have the battery saver mode on.
El protocolo de emergencia fue activado inmediatamente.
The emergency protocol was triggered immediately.
He activado la tarjeta por teléfono.
I have activated the card by phone.
Describing a State
Use 'activado' with the verb 'estar' when you want to describe a state (the fact that something is currently on).
Matching the Noun
When this word describes a feminine thing (like 'la alarma'), the ending changes to 'activada'. Because this entry is for 'activado', it pairs with masculine things like 'el botón' or 'el sistema'.
The '-ado' Rule
This is the 'past participle' form. When you use it after the verb 'haber' (he, has, ha, etc.), the ending always stays '-ado' and never changes to feminine or plural.
Personality vs. Status
Mistake: “Soy un hombre activado.”
Correction: Soy un hombre activo. Use 'activo' for personality/energy, and 'activado' for things that have been switched on.
Mixing up 'on' verbs
Mistake: “He activado la luz.”
Correction: He encendido la luz. Use 'activar' for processes and systems, but 'encender' for simple lights.
activado
ahk-tee-BAH-dohak.tiˈβa.ðo
Examples
He activado la tarjeta por teléfono.
I have activated the card by phone.
El sistema de seguridad ya está activado.
The security system is already activated.
Tengo el modo de ahorro de batería activado.
I have the battery saver mode on.
El protocolo de emergencia fue activado inmediatamente.
The emergency protocol was triggered immediately.
Describing a State
Use 'activado' with the verb 'estar' when you want to describe a state (the fact that something is currently on).
Matching the Noun
When this word describes a feminine thing (like 'la alarma'), the ending changes to 'activada'. Because this entry is for 'activado', it pairs with masculine things like 'el botón' or 'el sistema'.
The '-ado' Rule
This is the 'past participle' form. When you use it after the verb 'haber' (he, has, ha, etc.), the ending always stays '-ado' and never changes to feminine or plural.
Personality vs. Status
Mistake: “Soy un hombre activado.”
Correction: Soy un hombre activo. Use 'activo' for personality/energy, and 'activado' for things that have been switched on.
Mixing up 'on' verbs
Mistake: “He activado la luz.”
Correction: He encendido la luz. Use 'activar' for processes and systems, but 'encender' for simple lights.
provocó
Examples
La tormenta provocó muchos daños en el pueblo.
The storm caused a lot of damage in the town.
despertó
Examples
La película despertó un gran interés en la historia antigua.
The movie sparked great interest in ancient history.
disparado
dees-pah-RAH-dohdis.paˈɾa.ðo
Examples
La flecha fue disparada con mucha fuerza.
The arrow was shot with great force.
El arma había sido disparada recientemente.
The weapon had been recently fired.
El proyectil disparado impactó en el blanco.
The fired projectile hit the target.
The Passive Voice
This is the form used when something receives the action of shooting. You often see it with the verb 'ser' (to be) to form the passive voice: 'fue disparado' (it was shot).
Confusing 'activado' with 'provocó'
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