Meaning
To ignore or fail to notice something, often intentionally or by accident.
Cultural Background
In Spain, teachers are very direct. '¡Prestad atención!' is a common classroom command. In Mexico, people often add 'le' for emphasis: 'No le prestes atención'. Argentines might use 'dar bola' as a slang alternative to 'prestar atención'. In Colombia, 'prestar atención' is standard, but in casual settings, 'parar bolas' is common.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'a' after 'atención'. It's the bridge to the object.
Don't use 'de'
A very common mistake is saying 'prestar atención de'. Avoid it!
Meaning
To ignore or fail to notice something, often intentionally or by accident.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'a' after 'atención'. It's the bridge to the object.
Don't use 'de'
A very common mistake is saying 'prestar atención de'. Avoid it!
Use it for advice
It's the perfect phrase for giving advice to friends about ignoring negativity.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Debes prestar atención ___ las instrucciones.
The verb 'prestar atención' always takes 'a'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
The personal 'a' is required when the object is a person.
Complete the dialogue.
A: '¡El jefe está gritando!' B: 'No te preocupes, ___.'
The phrase is used here as an imperative command.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You want to tell a friend to ignore a rude person.
To ignore someone, use 'no prestar atención a'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDebes prestar atención ___ las instrucciones.
The verb 'prestar atención' always takes 'a'.
Choose the best option:
The personal 'a' is required when the object is a person.
A: '¡El jefe está gritando!' B: 'No te preocupes, ___.'
The phrase is used here as an imperative command.
You want to tell a friend to ignore a rude person.
To ignore someone, use 'no prestar atención a'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt depends on the context. If you say it to a teacher, it's an observation. If you say it to a friend, it's advice.
Yes, you can pay attention to anything: a book, a sign, a sound.
'Ignorar' is a direct verb. 'No prestar atención' is a descriptive idiom.
Conjugate 'prestar' normally: yo presto, tú prestas, él presta, etc.
Related Phrases
Hacer caso
synonymTo pay heed/listen.
Pasar por alto
similarTo overlook.
Estar atento
builds onTo be attentive.
Ignorar
synonymTo ignore.
