mira esto
/miɾa esto/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "look at this" is translated as mira esto.
The phrase is used to direct someone's attention to a specific object or piece of information. For a more colloquial way to say "take a look at this", you can use Échale un vistazo a esto.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb mira (look) and the demonstrative pronoun esto (this/this thing).
Which one should you use?
While mira esto refers to a singular object, you should use mira estos to direct attention to multiple objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "look at this" to a group of people, use miren esto in Latin America or mirad esto in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/miɾa esto/
Did you know?
- The colloquial alternative Échale un vistazo literally translates to 'throw it a glance', treating a look as something you can physically toss at an object.
- While mira means 'look', it is also used as a filler word like 'look' or 'listen' in English to start a sentence or change the subject, even when nothing is physically being pointed at.
- The word esto originates from the Latin word istud, which was used to indicate something close to the speaker.
Examples in context
- Mira esto.Look at this.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase mira esto.Tatoeba #4506082 by cueyayotl, translation #1998219 by CK
- Juan, por favor, observa esto: es el informe que hemos estado esperando.Juan, please look at this: it's the report we've been waiting for.
- Mira esto, es muy bonito.Look at this, it is very pretty.
- Javier, mira esto en el mapa.Javier, look at this on the map.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a new photo in a book.
- MaríaMira esto, Javier.Look at this, Javier.
- JavierEs una foto excelente.It is an excellent photo.
- MaríaSí, salimos muy felices.Yes, we look very happy.
- JavierFue un día increíble.It was an incredible day.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esto, mira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
