Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mirar | /miˈɾaɾ/ | |
| ojear | /oxeˈaɾ/ | |
| catar | /kaˈtaɾ/ | |
| lookear | /lukeˈaɾ/ | |
| lentear | /lenteˈaɾ/ | Latin America |
The primary way to say 'look' is through the verb mirar, which is a versatile and common term. If you want to imply a more deliberate, detailed or analytical form of looking, you might use observar or examinar to indicate looking closely at something in detail.
Which one should you use?
While mirar is the general-purpose verb for looking, other forms offer specific nuances: ojear and catar are also forms. Lentear is a specific regional term used in Latin America. The noun mirada refers to a look, a glance or a gaze, rather than the action of the verb itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term lentear is used in parts of Latin America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun mirada is the word for a look or a glance. The word mirar can also function as an interjection to attract attention.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈɾaɾ/
When do people say it?
To draw someone's attention to something, you can use the imperative ¡Mira! as an interjection, much like saying 'Look!' or 'Hey!' in English.
Did you know?
- Spanish has two different verbs that sound identical but mean different things: ojear means to look over something, while hojear means to flip through the pages of a book.
- If you use the verb catar in a culinary context, it means to 'taste' or 'sample', a nuance stemming from the idea of 'catching' a flavor.
- The term lentear is a modern construction based on the word lente, meaning 'lens'.
Examples in context
- Trataba de no mirar.I was trying not to look.This sentence shows the use of mirar in a negative context.Tatoeba #2769297 by marcelostockle, translation #2689341 by fekundulo
- No puedo ni mirarte.I can't even look at you.This sentence shows how to use mirar when referring to looking at a person.Tatoeba #6157057 by marcelostockle, translation #1951563 by CK
- No me atreví a mirar.I didn't dare to look.This sentence shows the use of mirar regarding the courage to look at something.Tatoeba #2970288 by pipus_net, translation #2969298 by megamanenm
- Por favor, mire el documentoPlease look at the document
- Le recomiendo que observe cuidadosamente las instruccionesI recommend that you carefully observe the instructions
- El médico examinó al paciente minuciosamenteThe doctor looked closely at the patient
- Mira ese hermoso paisajeLook at that beautiful landscape
- ¡Oye! ¡Mira lo que encontré!Hey! Look at what I found!
- Fíjate en el detalle de este cuadroTake a look at the detail in this painting
- Echa un vistazo al nuevo libroTake a look at the new book
- Echa un ojo a ese coche rojoHave a look at that red car
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at an art gallery.
- Lucía¡Daniel, mira este cuadro!Daniel, look at this painting!
- DanielEs increíble, me encanta mirar los detalles.It is incredible, I love looking at the details.
- LucíaEs muy relajante mirar arte.It is very relaxing to look at art.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “look” translations and entries mirar, ojear, catar, lookear, lentear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catar, lentear, mirar, ojear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
