estoy mirando
/estoi miɾando/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I am watching" is estoy mirando.
This phrase is used to say that you are currently looking at something or someone.
Which one should you use?
While estoy mirando is the standard way to say "to watch" or "to look at", it focuses more on the act of directing one's eyes toward something, whereas estoy viendo is often used when the focus is on the content of what is being watched, such as a movie or a show.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present continuous tense to indicate an action happening exactly at the moment of speaking.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear estoy viendo used for a person in a romantic sense, implying you are 'checking them out' rather than just looking at them.
- The root of mirando is related to the Latin 'mirari', meaning 'to wonder at', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'mirror'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, saying estoy mirando when browsing in a shop tells the clerk you do not need help and are just 'looking around'.
Examples in context
- Estoy viendo una película muy interesante.I am watching a very interesting movie.
- Estoy mirando el partido de fútbol en la televisión.I am watching the soccer match on TV.
- Estoy observando el comportamiento de los clientes en el mercado.I am watching the customers' behavior in the market.
- Estoy atenta a lo que sucede en la conferencia.I am keeping an eye on what happens in the conference.
- Estoy viendo esa nueva serie de ciencia ficción. Es muy intrigante.I am watching that new science fiction series. It's very intriguing.
- Estoy mirando la televisión.I am watching television.
- Estoy mirando las estrellas.I am watching the stars.
- Estoy mirando ese cuadro en la pared.I am looking at that painting on the wall.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are in a gallery looking at art.
- SofíaMira este cuadro, Javier.Look at this painting, Javier.
- Javier¿Cuál? No lo veo.Which one? I don't see it.
- SofíaEstoy mirando el que tiene colores azules.I am watching the one with blue colors.
- JavierAh, sí. Es muy bonito.Oh, yes. It is very beautiful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
