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vigilar means monitor — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 28, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

vigilar

verb • /[vee-hee-LAR]/

monitor

Example:

Hay que vigilar sus signos vitales.

We need to monitor his vital signs.

🧠 What does vigilar mean?

The verb 'vigilar' means to watch over, guard, or monitor something or someone attentively. It implies careful and sustained observation, often for reasons of safety, security, or control. In a medical context, it specifically refers to monitoring a patient's condition, vital signs, or response to treatment.

📚 Extra examples

  • La enfermera vigila la frecuencia cardíaca del paciente en el monitor.
    The nurse monitors the patient's heart rate on the monitor.
  • Es importante vigilar de cerca la evolución de la enfermedad.
    It is important to closely watch the progression of the illness.
  • El guardia de seguridad vigila la entrada del hospital durante la noche.
    The security guard watches over the hospital entrance during the night.
  • Los padres deben vigilar a sus hijos para que no se hagan daño.
    Parents should watch their children to ensure they don't get hurt.
  • Hay que vigilar que la herida se mantenga limpia y seca.
    One must make sure that the wound is kept clean and dry.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'vigilar' comes from the Latin 'vigilāre', meaning 'to be awake' or 'to keep watch'. This root is shared with English words like 'vigil' and 'vigilant', all of which relate to the core idea of watchfulness.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "vigilar"

Synonyms: observar, supervisar, controlar, custodiar, cuidar, monitorear
Opposites: descuidar, desatender, ignorar, abandonar

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'monitor' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to monitor' is 'vigilar', especially when it implies careful observation. The verb 'monitorear', an adaptation from English, is also widely used, particularly in technical, medical, and business contexts.
How do you pronounce 'vigilar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'vee-hee-LAHR'. The 'g' is pronounced like a soft 'h' in English. The final 'r' is a clear, tapped sound.
How do you use 'vigilar' in a sentence?
'Vigilar' is used to express the act of observing someone or something carefully. For example: 'Los médicos deben vigilar la reacción del paciente al nuevo medicamento.'
What is the English translation of 'vigilar'?
The English translation is 'to monitor', 'to watch over', 'to guard', or 'to keep an eye on', depending on the context.
Does 'vigilar' change for gender or number?
No, as a verb, 'vigilar' does not change for gender. It is conjugated for person and number to agree with the subject (e.g., 'yo vigilo', 'nosotros vigilamos').
Is 'vigilar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'vigilar' is a very common verb used in a wide range of situations, from professional settings like medicine and security to everyday contexts like cooking or childcare.
Does 'vigilar' have slang or double meanings?
'Vigilar' does not typically have slang meanings. Its use is quite direct and consistently relates to the idea of watching or observing carefully.
Is 'vigilar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and use of 'vigilar' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. While some regions in Latin America might use the cognate 'monitorear' more frequently in technical fields, 'vigilar' is universally understood and used.
How do you conjugate 'vigilar' in Spanish?
'Vigilar' is a regular -ar verb. The present tense conjugations are: yo vigilo, tú vigilas, él/ella/usted vigila, nosotros/as vigilamos, vosotros/as vigiláis, ellos/ellas/ustedes vigilan.

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