mantente concentrado
/mantente konθentɾado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stay focused" is translated into Spanish as mantente concentrado.
This phrase is used to tell someone to continue giving all their attention to a specific task or goal without getting distracted. While concentrado is the most common way to express being focused in a mental sense, you might encounter enfocado, which often implies a specific direction or target in a metaphorical or business sense. If the goal is to tell someone to stay alert or pay attention to their surroundings rather than a mental task, mantente atento is a more natural alternative.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive imperative mantente (keep yourself) and the adjective concentrado (concentrated or focused).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mantente concentrado is the informal singular imperative used when speaking to a male. To speak to a female, use the form mantente concentrada. When addressing a group of people formally, use the plural form manténganse concentrados.
How do you pronounce it?
/mantente konθentɾado/
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'distracted' or 'not focused', Spanish speakers often use the phrase estar en las nubes, which literally means 'to be in the clouds'.
- To tell an athlete to stay focused on a specific target, you can use the phrase mantente con la mira puesta. This literally means 'keep your sights set', as if using a scope on a rifle.
- While concentrado refers to mental focus, the word concentrar also means to thicken a liquid by boiling it down, as in making a soup or syrup.
Examples in context
- María, sigue atenta a este proyecto crucial.María, stay attentive to this crucial project.
- Mantente concentrado en el examen.Stay focused on the exam.
- Si quieres ganar, mantente concentrado.If you want to win, stay focused.
- Mantente concentrado en tu trabajo hoy.Stay focused on your work today.
Example conversation
Javier is easily distracted while studying for a final exam.
- ElenaJavier, mantente concentrado en los libros.Javier, stay focused on the books.
- JavierLo siento, Elena, es que es muy difícil.I'm sorry, Elena, it is just that it is very difficult.
- ElenaTú puedes lograrlo si no te distraes.You can achieve it if you don't get distracted.
- JavierTienes razón, voy a seguir estudiando.You are right, I am going to keep studying.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
