Meaning
To focus one's mind on something.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'hacer caso' is very common for 'paying attention' to a person's advice. In Mexico, 'poner atención' is extremely common, often replacing 'prestar'. Eye contact is crucial when someone asks you to 'prestar atención'.
Think 'Lend'
Remember that you are 'lending' your focus to the speaker.
No 'Dar'
Never use 'dar' with 'atención'. It sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Meaning
To focus one's mind on something.
Think 'Lend'
Remember that you are 'lending' your focus to the speaker.
No 'Dar'
Never use 'dar' with 'atención'. It sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Use 'Poner' in Mexico
If you are in Mexico, 'poner atención' will make you sound more local.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Debes ________ atención a la clase.
The correct collocation is 'prestar atención'.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct phrase.
No article is needed.
Match the verb to the noun.
Prestar + ?
Prestar can mean to lend money or to pay attention.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Me escuchas? B: Sí, estoy ________.
This is the correct present continuous form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDebes ________ atención a la clase.
The correct collocation is 'prestar atención'.
Choose the correct phrase.
No article is needed.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Prestar can mean to lend money or to pay attention.
A: ¿Me escuchas? B: Sí, estoy ________.
This is the correct present continuous form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, it means 'to lend' for objects like money or books.
It is neutral and works in all contexts.
Collocations are fixed; 'prestar' is the standard partner for 'atención'.
It's grammatically incorrect; drop the article.
The meaning is the same, but 'poner' is a common regional variant.
Use this phrase and maintain eye contact.
Just memorize the pair 'prestar atención' as one unit.
Related Phrases
Poner atención
synonymTo pay attention
Hacer caso
similarTo heed/listen
Estar atento
similarTo be alert
