Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aparentemente | /apaˌɾenteˈmente/ |
| al parecer | /al paɾeˈθeɾ/ /al paɾeˈseɾ/ |
| por lo visto | /poɾ lo bisto/ (from spelling rules) |
| según parece | /seɡun paɾeθe/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /seɡun paɾese/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| por la cuenta | /poɾ la kwenta/ (from spelling rules) |
Use según parece specifically when you are basing your statement on particular information or reports you have heard. For more formal conversations, you can use the phrase Parece ser que to mean 'it seems to be that'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word aparentemente is formed from the adjective aparente (apparent) and the adverbial suffix -mente, which is equivalent to the English suffix '-ly'.
Which one should you use?
While aparentemente is a direct adverb, the idiomatic expressions al parecer and por lo visto are more common in natural conversation. Por lo visto carries a slightly more informal tone than aparentemente.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Al parecer and aparentemente are suitable for formal contexts. Por lo visto is a very common and slightly more colloquial way to express the same idea. Parece ser que is used in formal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, aparentemente is frequently used to convey 'apparently' in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase al parecer functions as an adverbial phrase and can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to qualify the entire statement.
How do you pronounce it?
/apaˌɾenteˈmente/
Did you know?
- The adverbial suffix -mente in aparentemente is derived from the Latin mēns, meaning 'mind'.
- The phrase por lo visto literally translates to 'by what is seen'. It frames the idea of 'apparently' as a conclusion drawn from visual evidence.
Examples in context
- Por lo visto funcionó.Apparently it worked.This sentence shows how to use por lo visto.Tatoeba #4048362 by ulymarrero, translation #2244904 by CK
- Al parecer, estaba equivocado.Apparently, I was wrong.This sentence shows how to use al parecer.Tatoeba #11861304 by Eremon, translation #3402559 by CK
- Al parecer estás en lo correcto.Apparently you are right.Tatoeba #4936008 by Peripes, translation #4935940 by al_ex_an_der
- Parece ser que el informe está listo para la revisión.It seems to be that the report is ready for review.
- Al parecer, la empresa ha experimentado un crecimiento significativo.Apparently, the company has experienced significant growth.
- Según parece, el partido de fútbol fue increíble.According to what it seems, the soccer match was incredible.
- Parece que vas a venir más tarde.It seems like you're going to come later.
- Por lo visto, tienes una sorpresa preparada para mí.Apparently, you have a surprise prepared for me.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a coworker's new job.
- Javier¿Sabes algo de la nueva oficina de Luis?Do you know anything about Luis's new office?
- ElenaAparentemente, es muy grande y moderna.Apparently, it is very large and modern.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Me alegro por él.That's great! I'm happy for him.
- ElenaSí, parece que le va de maravilla.Yes, it seems like he is doing wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apparently” translations and entries aparentemente, al parecer, por lo visto, por la cuenta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aparentemente, lo, parecer, por, según, visto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
