Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| al tanto | /al ˈtanto/ | |
| al loro | /al ˈloɾo/ | colloquial |
| en el ajo | /en el ˈaxo/ | colloquial |
| en la pomada | /en la pomada/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
| al corriente | /al koˈrjente/ | |
| en todas | /en todas/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to describe being informed or aware of a situation. Depending on the context, you can use al tanto to mean generally informed, al corriente to mean being up to date with current events or a flow of information or en el ajo to describe being part of an inner circle that knows a secret.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase al tanto literally translates to 'to the extent' or 'to the amount'.
Which one should you use?
Al tanto is the standard and neutral way to say someone is informed. In contrast, the other forms like al loro, en el ajo and en la pomada are more idiomatic or heavy with slang. While al tanto is general, al corriente is used specifically when you are up to date with news or a specific stream of information.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expressions al loro, en el ajo and en la pomada are colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Colombia or Argentina, you may hear the expression estar pilas to mean 'to be on the ball', which conveys being both attentive and informed.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the state of being 'in the know', you must use the verb estar (to be) with these phrases, such as in estar al tanto or estar al corriente.
How do you pronounce it?
/al ˈtanto/
Did you know?
- While en el ajo means 'in the know', the word ajo is sometimes a shortened version of the vulgar term carajo.
- The phrase en la pomada is a highly informal way to say someone is 'in the know', using a word that usually refers to an ointment or salve.
- While al tanto is the standard way to be informed, using al corriente implies you are following a literal 'current' or flow of information, much like a stream of water.
Examples in context
- Carlos siempre está al tanto de las últimas noticias en el mundo de los negocios.Carlos is always in the know about the latest news in the business world.
- Marta se mantiene al tanto de los cambios legislativos en su país.Marta stays informed about legislative changes in her country.
- Andrea siempre está al tanto de todo lo que sucede en la empresa.Andrea is always in the know about everything happening in the company.
- Mi amigo Juan está al tanto de todo lo relacionado con los videojuegos.My friend Juan is in the know about everything related to video games.
- ¿Quién se encarga de las nuevas tendencias? ¡Ah, claro, José siempre está en la jugada!Who keeps up with new trends? Ah, of course, José is always in the know!
- Estoy empapado de todo lo que pasa en el mundo de la moda.I'm in the know about everything happening in the fashion world.
- María está empapada de los chismes del barrio.María is in the know about the neighborhood gossip.
- Por favor, manténme al tanto de las novedades.Please, keep me in the know about the news.
- ¿Estás al tanto de lo que pasó ayer?Are you aware of what happened yesterday?
- Ella siempre está al tanto de todo.She is always in the know about everything.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are colleagues discussing a new office policy.
- Javier¿Sabes algo sobre el nuevo horario?Do you know anything about the new schedule?
- ElenaNo, no estoy al tanto todavía.No, I'm not in the know yet.
- JavierTe avisaré cuando tenga más información.I will let you know when I have more information.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, te lo agradezco.Thanks, Javier, I appreciate it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in the know” translations and entries al tanto, al loro, en el ajo, al corriente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajo, el, en, en el ajo, loro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
