Spanish Phrase
¿Está prestando atención?
Meaning
Literally, "Is (he/she/you) paying attention?" It is a polite way to check whether the listener is focused on what is being said or done. The form "está" can refer to a third‑person singular subject or to the formal "usted" form, making it suitable for both formal and neutral contexts.
When to use
Use this question in classrooms, meetings, or any situation where you need to confirm that someone is following along. It works well with adults, students, or subordinates when a respectful tone is required.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Estáprestandoatención?
Estar (está)
Use the verb "estar" in the third‑person singular present to form the progressive tense, indicating an ongoing action.
Gerundio – prestando
The gerund of "prestar" (to lend) is used idiomatically in the expression "prestar atención" meaning "to pay attention".
Noun – atención
A feminine singular noun that means "attention"; it follows the verb phrase without an article.
Question marks
Spanish uses an opening (¿) and closing (?) question mark; both are required.
🗨In Conversation
¿Está prestando atención?
Are you paying attention?
Sí, disculpe, estaba pensando en otra cosa.
Yes, sorry, I was thinking about something else.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Es prestando atención?
Use "está" (from estar) for the progressive; "es" (from ser) describes permanent traits, not ongoing actions.
¿Está prestar atención?
The infinitive "prestar" cannot follow "está"; you need the gerund "prestando".
¿Está prestando atencion?
The noun needs an accent on the "ó" – "atención" – to be spelled correctly.
↔Alternatives
¿Me estás escuchando?
Are you listening to me?
¿Estás atento?
Are you attentive?
¿Prestas atención?
Do you pay attention?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures a direct question like "¿Está prestando atención?" can sound a bit blunt if said to a peer. Adding a softener such as "por favor" or using a friendly tone helps keep the interaction polite: "¿Podría estar prestando atención, por favor?" Also, remember that "usted" uses the same verb form as third‑person singular, so the phrase works for both formal and informal settings without changing the verb.