What does it mean word for word?
The phrase echa un vistazo is literally composed of the verb echar (to throw) and the noun vistazo (a glance/look).
Which one should you use?
While echa un vistazo is a standard way to say "have a look", you may encounter other forms. Use Échale un vistazo for a friendly, informal tone or Mira for a simple informal "look" or "check". For a more formal "review" or "inspect", use Revise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, you might hear the informal phrase Chécate to mean "have a look" or "check it out".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form echa un vistazo is in the imperative mood (command form) for the second person singular tú. If you are addressing someone politely as usted, use the form eche un vistazo. To address a group of people (ustedes), use echen un vistazo. The infinitive form of the phrase is echar un vistazo.
How do you pronounce it?
/etʃa un bistaθo/
Did you know?
- While echa un vistazo means 'have a look', the suffix -azo typically transforms a noun into a violent blow. For example, a martillazo is a blow delivered with a hammer.
- In some Latin American contexts, chécate is a loanword adaptation from the English 'check', though it is used as a natural part of daily slang.
- Using the verb revise instead of echar un vistazo changes the act from a casual glance to a rigorous or professional inspection.
Examples in context
- Por favor, eche un vistazo a este informe antes de la reunión.Please have a look at this report before the meeting.
- Échale un vistazo a esta foto que tomé durante mis vacaciones.Have a look at this photo I took during my vacation.
- Mira cómo brilla la luna esta noche, es increíble.Look how bright the moon is tonight, it's incredible.
- Doctor, por favor, revise estos resultados y déjeme saber su opinión.Doctor, please review these results and let me know your opinion.
- Echa un vistazo a este informe.Have a look at this report.
- Echa un vistazo a este menú.Have a look at this menu.
- Echa un vistazo a mi dibujo.Have a look at my drawing.
- Echa un vistazo a la calle.Have a look at the street.
Example conversation
Javier shows Elena a new car in a magazine.
- JavierElena, echa un vistazo a este coche.Elena, have a look at this car.
- ElenaEs muy bonito, Javier.It is very pretty, Javier.
- JavierEs de color azul.It is blue.
- ElenaMe gusta mucho.I like it a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
