Learning how to say “look away” in Spanish is an essential skill to communicate effectively. Whether you want to politely divert someone’s attention or simply express the need for privacy, it’s important to understand the different ways to convey this concept in both formal and informal contexts. In this guide, we will explore various expressions and regional variations to help you master this phrase. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Look Away” in Spanish:
When addressing someone formally or in a more polite manner, you can use the following phrases to convey the idea of “look away”:
a) Desvíe su mirada:
Desvíe su mirada translates directly to “look away” and is a formal way to express the request. This phrase emphasizes respect and is often used in professional or formal settings.
Example:
“Por favor, desvíe su mirada, necesito un momento de privacidad.”
“Please look away, I need a moment of privacy.”
b) No mire aquí:
No mire aquí means “don’t look here” and can be used to communicate the same notion politely.
Example:
“Le ruego que no mire aquí mientras termino de escribir.”
“I kindly ask you not to look here while I finish writing.”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Look Away” in Spanish:
In casual or informal situations, you may want to use a more relaxed and informal expression. Here are some ways to say “look away” in Spanish informally:
a) No mires:
The phrase “no mires” translates directly to “don’t look” and is commonly used among friends or in informal settings.
Example:
“Hey, no mires mientras hago esta sorpresa.”
“Hey, don’t look while I prepare this surprise.”
b) Aparta la mirada:
Aparta la mirada means “look away” and is another commonly used informal expression.
Example:
“Aparta la mirada, esto puede ser un poco embarazoso.”
“Look away, this can be a bit embarrassing.”
Regional Variations:
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world, it’s essential to note that there might be some regional variations. Here are a couple of examples:
a) Voltea la cabeza:
This variation, commonly used in parts of Latin America, translates to “turn your head.”
Example:
“Voltea la cabeza cuando pase esa escena.”
“Turn your head when that scene comes up.”
b) Desvía la vista:
Desvía la vista, which can be heard in Spain, is a variation of “look away” using the word “vista” instead of “mirada.”
Example:
“Desvía la vista, no quiero que veas esto.”
“Look away, I don’t want you to see this.”
Key Tips and Phrases:
Here are a few additional tips and phrases related to the concept of “look away” in Spanish:
- Emphasize politeness by using “por favor” (please) before the phrase.
- Consider the context and relationship when deciding between formal or informal expressions.
- Use hand gestures or body language to reinforce your request if necessary.
- Remember that non-verbal cues like eye contact or looking away can also convey the message.
- If unsure, it’s often better to err on the side of formality.
With these tips and phrases in mind, you’ll be able to confidently communicate the idea of “look away” in Spanish across various situations!
Keep practicing, embrace the rich diversity of the language, and soon enough, you’ll become a master of Spanish expressions!
