mira detrás de ti
/miɾa detɾas de ti/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'look behind you' is translated into Spanish as mira detrás de ti.
A command telling someone to turn around and see what is behind them.
Which one should you use?
The word atrás can be used interchangeably with detrás in many dialects to mean 'behind' or 'in back of'.
How do you pronounce it?
/miɾa detɾas de ti/
Did you know?
- The word detrás is a linguistic descendant of the Latin word trans, which is the same root that gives English its word 'transport'.
- While mira means 'look', the verb mirar is also used in some regions to mean 'to take care of' something or someone.
- While mira is the standard command, in parts of Spain, you might hear mirad if the speaker is addressing a group of people.
Examples in context
- Mira detrás de ti.Look behind you.This sentence demonstrates the use of mira detrás de ti as a simple command.Tatoeba #1001478 by Shishir, translation #433623 by CK
- ¡Mira detrás de ti!Look behind you!This sentence shows the use of mira detrás de ti as an emphatic command.Tatoeba #474262 by Shishir, translation #473820 by FeuDRenais
- Por favor, mire atrás.Please look behind you.
Example conversation
Javier is walking in a park and Elena notices a child playing near him.
- ElenaJavier, ¡mira detrás de ti!Javier, look behind you!
- Javier¿Qué pasa, Elena?What's happening, Elena?
- ElenaHay un niño jugando cerca de ti.There is a child playing near you.
- JavierAh, gracias por avisarme.Ah, thanks for letting me know.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, detrás, mira, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
