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notar means to notice — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 22, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

notar

verb • /[no-TAR]/

to notice

Example:

Noté algo diferente en su voz.

I noticed something different in his voice.

🧠 What does notar mean?

The verb 'notar' means 'to notice,' 'to perceive,' or 'to observe.' It refers to becoming aware of something through the senses or the intellect. It is often used to express the perception of a change, a detail, or a particular state. When followed by a clause, it is typically used with 'que'. The reflexive form, 'notarse,' means 'to be noticeable' or 'to be apparent.'

📚 Extra examples

  • Noto que estás un poco cansado hoy.
    I notice that you are a little tired today.
  • El profesor notó un error en mi ensayo.
    The professor noticed an error in my essay.
  • Se nota que has practicado mucho; tu acento ha mejorado.
    It's noticeable that you have practiced a lot; your accent has improved.

💡 Did You Know?

'Notar' comes from the Latin verb 'notāre,' meaning 'to mark' or 'to note.' This origin connects it to English words like 'note,' 'notation,' and 'notable,' all of which relate to the idea of observing or marking something for attention. This shared root highlights its core meaning of registering information.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "notar"

Synonyms: percibir, observar, advertir, darse cuenta de
Opposites: ignorar, pasar por alto, desconocer

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to notice' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'to notice' is 'notar'. Another common expression is 'darse cuenta de', which means 'to realize'.
How do you pronounce 'notar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is no-TAR, with the stress on the final syllable. The 'o' is a pure vowel sound, and the 'a' is open, as in 'father'.
How do you use 'notar' in a sentence?
It is used like its English counterpart. For example, 'Yo noto algo extraño' (I notice something strange). When noticing a situation or action, it is followed by 'que': 'Noto que llegas tarde' (I notice that you are arriving late).
What is the English translation of 'notar'?
The primary English translation of 'notar' is 'to notice'.
Does 'notar' change for gender or number?
No, as a verb, 'notar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the subject and tense.
Is 'notar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'notar' is a very common verb used frequently in both spoken and written Spanish across all registers.
Does 'notar' have slang or double meanings?
'Notar' is a straightforward verb and does not have common slang meanings. Its meaning is consistent and literal.
Is 'notar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use and meaning of 'notar' are consistent throughout the Spanish-speaking world. There are no significant regional variations.
How do you conjugate 'notar' in Spanish?
'Notar' is a regular -ar verb. The present tense indicative conjugations are: yo noto, tú notas, él/ella/usted nota, nosotros/as notamos, vosotros/as notáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes notan.

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