Also means
to become aware
Usage Note
Percatar is almost always used reflexively as percatarse de ('to notice', 'to realize'), making it a pronominal verb in practice. It implies a moment of awareness or realization rather than a deliberate observation; darse cuenta de is a common synonym.
Examples
"No me percaté de su llegada hasta tarde."
Natural Translation
I didn't notice his arrival until late.
Literal Translation
Not myself noticed of his arrival until late.

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