vigila

Vigila is a Spanish word form that primarily appears as a verb. It is the third-person singular present indicative form of vigilar (he/she watches, monitors) and also the affirmative informal imperative for tú (watch! / keep an eye on it). In formal address, the corresponding imperative is vigile (usted). The term conveys active observation, supervision, or guarding of a person, place, or object.

Etymology and related forms: vigila derives from the Latin vigilare, meaning to be wakeful or watchful. Related terms include vigilia (a vigil or wakefulness) and vigilante (a person who watches over a place or group). The root somains a family of words tied to watching, alertness, and surveillance.

Usage: Vigila is common in everyday Spanish. Examples include: “La policía vigila la zona” (The police monitor the area), “Vigila la entrada” (Keep an eye on the entrance), and “¡Vigila con ese coche!” (Watch out for that car). The form distinguishes tense and subject through conjugation: the same verb carries different nuances in present narration versus direct commands.

Notes: As a present-tense form and as a command, vigila appears frequently in security, health, and general advisory contexts. Its meaning hinges on vigilance or monitoring, rather than simply looking. For related concepts, see vigilia (the act of staying awake or a ceremonial vigil), vigilancia (surveillance or monitoring), vigilar (to watch or monitor), and vigilante (a watchman or vigilant person).