Spanish Conversation · Level 20
90 words
Spanish word
vigilar
Pronunciation
IPA/bixiˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- verbwatch over
Example
Los padres vigilan a sus hijos en el parque.
Parents watch over their children in the park.
More examples
El guardia vigila la entrada del edificio.
The guard watches the entrance to the building.
Core concept
A caregiver keeping watch over a child at a playground.
Common phrases
vigilar a alguien
watch over someone
vigilar de cerca
watch closely
vigilar la casa
watch over the house
Similar words
cuidar: Provide hands-on care for a person or thing, tending to health and everyday needs.
supervisar: Oversee work or tasks, checking progress and correctness of how things are done.
observar: Watch closely and attentively to notice behavior, details, or subtle changes.
mirar: Direct the eyes toward something for a brief or casual look.
Definition in Spanish
Ejercer control y atención continuos sobre alguien o algo para cuidarlo y evitar comportamientos o situaciones no deseadas.
Word origin
From Latin vigilare 'to be awake', originally meaning to stay awake and watch, Spanish vigilar developed the sense of keeping continuous attention over someone or something.
Usage tips
- Vigilar takes the personal a with people (vigilar a alguien) and is used for ongoing supervision rather than a brief glance.
Other meanings
- keep watchverb
- monitorverb
Related words
- vigilanciasurveillancenoun
- vigilantelookoutnoun
- vigiladorwatchernoun