alerta
/aˈleɾta/
The English word 'alert' can be translated into Spanish as alerta.
As a noun, alerta refers to a specific notification or signal. However, it is also frequently used to describe a state of being vigilant or watchful.
Meaning: a notification (noun)
Which one should you use?
While alerta can function as a noun meaning a notification, it also serves as an adjective or adverb to describe a state of vigilance.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to describe a state of being, such as in the phrase 'stay alert', alerta functions as an invariable adverb or adjective. This means it does not change to match gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈleɾta/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word alerta actually comes from an Italian phrase meaning 'to the height'. It was originally used to describe being at the top of a lookout point, ready to spot danger.
- In Spanish, the expression estar alerta describes a mental state, but to say someone is 'on alert' in a formal or military sense, the preposition en is used: en alerta.
- While alerta is a common noun, the Spanish language uses the specific phrase en alerta máxima to describe a state of highest readiness, similar to the English 'high alert'.
Examples in context
- Tú estás muy alerta.You're very alert.This sentence demonstrates using alerta to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #5200120 by radu107, translation #5199593 by AlanF_US
- Tom alertará a Mary.Tom will alert Mary.This sentence shows the verb form derived from alerta.Tatoeba #5809694 by arh, translation #2215620 by CK
- Trata de permanecer alerta.Try and stay alert.This sentence shows using alerta to describe a continuous state of being.Tatoeba #3972681 by gianich73, translation #3184902 by CK
- Estar alertaTo be alert
- Precaución, piso mojadoCaution, wet floor
- ¡Ojo!Be alert!
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about a security application on their phones.
- Lucía¿Recibiste la alerta de seguridad?Did you receive the security alert?
- JavierNo, no me llegó ninguna alerta.No, I didn't receive any alert.
- LucíaEs extraño, la alerta apareció en mi teléfono.That is strange, the alert appeared on my phone.
- JavierRevisaré mi aplicación ahora mismo.I will check my application right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alerta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alerta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
