Bedeutung
To be informed beforehand about a potential danger or problem.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, 'estar sobre aviso' is frequently used in the context of 'la huelga' (strikes). Because strikes are common and often announced in advance, people use this phrase to indicate they've planned their commute around the disruption. In Mexico, while 'estar sobre aviso' is understood, you'll often hear 'estar al pendiente' in professional settings to mean staying alert or keeping an eye on something. In Argentina, the phrase is used with a strong sense of social 'gauchería' (doing a favor). Putting someone 'sobre aviso' is seen as a sign of being a good friend or 'buena onda.' Due to the frequency of tropical storms, 'estar sobre aviso' is a phrase every child learns early. It is deeply tied to community preparedness and hurricane season.
Use it in Business
Using 'poner sobre aviso' in a professional email shows you are proactive and looking out for the team's interests.
Don't over-formalize
Remember it's 'estar', not 'ser'. Saying 'soy sobre aviso' is a classic mistake that marks you as a beginner.
Bedeutung
To be informed beforehand about a potential danger or problem.
Use it in Business
Using 'poner sobre aviso' in a professional email shows you are proactive and looking out for the team's interests.
Don't over-formalize
Remember it's 'estar', not 'ser'. Saying 'soy sobre aviso' is a classic mistake that marks you as a beginner.
The 'Heads-up' Culture
In many Spanish-speaking countries, giving a 'heads-up' is a vital part of building trust (confianza).
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of 'estar' and the phrase.
Como ya me lo habías dicho, yo __________ __________ __________ cuando llegó el inspector.
We use 'estaba' (imperfect) to describe a continuous state in the past, and 'sobre aviso' is the correct idiom.
Which sentence correctly uses the causative form?
How do you say 'I warned my sister about the dog'?
You need the verb 'poner', the personal 'a' for 'mi hermana', and the phrase 'sobre aviso'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'estar sobre aviso'.
A news report about an approaching hurricane.
The public is in a state of alert after receiving the weather report.
Complete the dialogue.
—¿Te sorprendió que cancelaran la reunión? —No, mi secretaria ya __________.
The secretary performed the action of warning (poner sobre aviso) before the meeting was canceled.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenComo ya me lo habías dicho, yo __________ __________ __________ cuando llegó el inspector.
We use 'estaba' (imperfect) to describe a continuous state in the past, and 'sobre aviso' is the correct idiom.
How do you say 'I warned my sister about the dog'?
You need the verb 'poner', the personal 'a' for 'mi hermana', and the phrase 'sobre aviso'.
A news report about an approaching hurricane.
The public is in a state of alert after receiving the weather report.
—¿Te sorprendió que cancelaran la reunión? —No, mi secretaria ya __________.
The secretary performed the action of warning (poner sobre aviso) before the meeting was canceled.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends. It's very versatile.
No, that's not a standard phrase. It's always 'sobre' (over/upon).
'Estar alerta' is general vigilance. 'Estar sobre aviso' implies you are alert *because* you were told something specific.
In a legal sense, you would use 'haber sido notificado' or 'estar bajo advertencia'. 'Sobre aviso' is more idiomatic and less legalistic.
Yes, it is universally understood, though some regions might prefer 'estar prevenido'.
Usually no. It almost always refers to a potential problem, risk, or challenge.
No, 'aviso' is a warning or notice. 'Advice' is 'consejo'. This is a common false friend!
No, the idiom is fixed in the singular: 'sobre aviso'.
There isn't a single phrase, but 'ocultar información' (to hide information) or 'dejar en la ignorancia' would be the conceptual opposites.
Not at all. It is used daily in news, offices, and homes.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Poner sobre aviso
builds onTo warn someone.
Estar alerta
synonymTo be alert.
Andar con pies de plomo
similarTo walk with lead feet (to be very cautious).
Estar al tanto
similarTo be up to date / in the loop.
Bajar la guardia
contrastTo let one's guard down.
