Atiendan

Atiendan is a form of the Spanish verb atender. It serves two grammatical functions: it is the present subjunctive form for the third-person plural (ellos, ellas, ustedes) and it is the affirmative imperative form for ustedes. In both uses, atiendan conveys a command or request that a group attend to, take care of, or pay attention to something.

In use, atiendan appears in subordinate clauses after expressions of necessity, desire, or recommendation, as well as in direct commands to a group. Examples include: “Es importante que atiendan a los pacientes” (It is important that they attend to the patients) and “Quiero que atiendan las quejas” (I want them to address the complaints). As an imperative for ustedes, it can appear as a direct instruction: “Atiendan a los invitados” (You all attend to the guests).

Etymology and meaning: atender comes from Latin attendere, formed with the prefix ad- meaning toward and tendere meaning to stretch or extend, conveying the sense of directing attention or care toward someone or something. Across its senses, atender encompasses paying attention, giving assistance, and taking care of tasks or people.

Notes: atiendan is commonly used in formal or bureaucratic contexts, service settings, and everyday speech when addressing groups. Related forms include la forma base atender and the noun atención.