pay attention

[/peɪ əˈtɛnʃən/]

verb phrase

prestar atenção

1. to focus one's mental efforts on something; to listen or watch carefully

Pay attention to what the teacher is saying.

Preste atenção no que o professor está dizendo.

2. to notice or become aware of something

Did you pay attention to the news last night?

Você prestou atenção nas notícias ontem à noite?

3. to show interest or concern toward someone or something

He finally started paying attention to his health.

Ele finalmente começou a prestar atenção à sua saúde.

NYC Slang

pay attention / listen up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

prestar atenção

most common and standard form

Rio de Janeiro

prestar atenção / ficar atento

standard usage with local colloquialisms

São Paulo

prestar atenção

standard usage, no significant regional variation

Portugal

estar atento / prestar atenção

'estar atento' is more commonly used in European Portuguese

pay close attention

pay no attention

pay special attention to

pay attention to details

better pay attention

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