vigilar
Lemma Details
Translation: to watch; to monitor; to guard; to supervise; to keep an eye on; to observe; to surveil
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Vigilar comes from Latin 'vigilare' meaning 'to stay awake, be watchful'. It shares the same Latin root as English words like 'vigilant', 'vigilance', and 'vigil'. The Latin root 'vigil' meant 'watchful, alert' and referred to someone who stays awake while others sleep, especially for purposes of security or observation. This connection to wakefulness and watchfulness is preserved in both Spanish and English cognates.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La policía vigila las calles durante la noche.
The police watch the streets during the night.
Los padres deben vigilar a sus hijos en la piscina.
Parents should watch their children at the swimming pool.
Necesitamos vigilar de cerca este proyecto.
We need to closely monitor this project.
El guardia vigila la entrada del edificio.
The guard watches the entrance of the building.
Las cámaras vigilan el perímetro del banco.
The cameras monitor the perimeter of the bank.
Mnemonics
- Think of being 'vigilant' in English - staying alert and watchful.
- Imagine a 'vigil' where people stay awake to watch over something important.
- The 'vig' in vigilar sounds like 'vigil' - staying awake to watch over something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'vigilar' is commonly used in contexts of security, parenting, and supervision. The concept of 'vigilancia vecinal' (neighborhood watch) is important in many communities as a form of community-based security.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'vigilar' implies watching with the purpose of supervision or security, 'mirar' simply means 'to look at' or 'to watch' without necessarily implying supervision.
This word:
El guardia vigila la tienda para prevenir robos.
The guard watches the store to prevent theft.
Notes: 'Vigilar' has a connotation of responsibility and care, while 'mirar' is more neutral and doesn't imply any duty.
Mnemonic: 'Vigilar' contains 'vigil' (watchfulness) while 'mirar' is more casual looking.
Explanation: 'Vigilar' focuses on watching and monitoring, while 'cuidar' emphasizes taking care of or looking after something or someone with attention to their wellbeing.
This word:
La niñera vigila a los niños mientras juegan.
The babysitter watches the children while they play.
Confused word:
La enfermera cuida a los pacientes en el hospital.
The nurse takes care of the patients in the hospital.
Notes: 'Cuidar' often implies more active involvement and nurturing, while 'vigilar' can be more passive observation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'vigilar' as watching with your eyes, while 'cuidar' involves active care and attention.