ignorar
/iɡnoˈɾaɾ/
The Spanish phrase for 'ignore' is ignorar.
Ignorar means to intentionally pay no attention to someone or something. It is also frequently used to express being unaware of a fact or meaning 'to not know', similar to how an English speaker might say they are 'ignorant of' something.
Which one should you use?
While ignorar is used to mean 'to be unaware of' (similar to no saber), it can also mean the act of intentionally disregarding someone or something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object of ignorar is a person, you must use the personal 'a' before the person's name or pronoun, such as in the phrase ignorar a [persona].
How do you pronounce it?
/iɡnoˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use ignorar when they actually mean 'to overlook' or 'to miss' a detail. In those specific instances, pasar por alto is often a more natural choice.
Did you know?
- In a social context, if someone is being ignored by a group, they might be described as ninguneado, coming from the word ninguno meaning 'none'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of intentionally ignoring someone is known as hacer el vacío, which literally means 'to make the vacuum'.
- The word ignorar is a doublet of añorar, which means 'to long for' or 'to miss'. While they sound different now, both words evolved from the same Latin root regarding knowledge and memory.
Examples in context
- No podés ignorar a Tom.You can't ignore Tom.This sentence shows how to use ignorar with a person.Tatoeba #2977890 by hayastan, translation #1951958 by CK
- Él osó ignorar mi consejo.He dared ignore my advice.This sentence shows the use of ignorar regarding advice.Tatoeba #968715 by Shishir, translation #967866 by FeuDRenais2
- Si fuera tú, lo ignoraría.Were I you, I would ignore it.This sentence demonstrates using ignorar to refer to a situation or thing.Tatoeba #1416688 by marcelostockle, translation #30619 by AlanF_US
- No puedo ignorar los problemas sociales que enfrentamos.I cannot ignore the social issues we face.
- Por favor, no preste atención a los rumores.Please, do not pay attention to the rumors.
- Mejor haz caso omiso de sus comentarios negativos.It's better to ignore their negative comments.
- Decidí pasar de largo y no responder a sus provocaciones.I decided to ignore it and not respond to their provocations.
- No me ignores cuando te hablo.Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you.
- Voy a ignorar esos comentarios negativos en las redes sociales.I am going to ignore those negative comments on social media.
- Ignora los comentarios ofensivos y mantén la calma.Ignore the offensive comments and stay calm.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a coworker who is being rude.
- MaríaJavier, él siempre es grosero conmigo.Javier, he is always rude to me.
- JavierLo mejor es ignorar sus comentarios.The best thing is to ignore his comments.
- MaríaEs difícil ignorar a alguien así.It is difficult to ignore someone like that.
- JavierTú puedes hacerlo, María.You can do it, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ignorar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ignorar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
