Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mirar | /miˈɾaɾ/ | |
| ojear | /oxeˈaɾ/ | |
| catar | /kaˈtaɾ/ | |
| lookear | /lukeˈaɾ/ | |
| lentear | /lenteˈaɾ/ | Latin America |
The primary way to express the intent to look or direct one's gaze is with the verb mirar. It is a versatile word used for both looking and watching. Other forms include ojear, catar and lookear.
Which one should you use?
mirar is the standard verb for the physical act of directing one's gaze toward something. While mirar is general, ojear and catar are also available forms for looking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form lentear is used in Latin America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun mirada refers to the act or the way of looking, often used to describe a person's expression or gaze. Additionally, mirar can function as an interjection to attract attention.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse mirar (to look/direct gaze) with ver (to see/perceive with eyes). Use mirar when the focus is on the intention of the action.
Did you know?
- The word ojear is a homophone of hojear, but while the former means 'to look over' using one's ojo (eye), the latter means 'to flip through pages' using a hoja (leaf).
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a mirada can be used as a silent form of communication to signal disapproval or a secret agreement without speaking.
Examples in context
- Trataba de no mirar.I was trying not to look.This sentence shows how to use 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 uses mirar to express an inability to look at someone.Tatoeba #6157057 by marcelostockle, translation #1951563 by CK
- No me atreví a mirar.I didn't dare to look.This sentence uses mirar to describe a lack of courage to look.Tatoeba #2970288 by pipus_net, translation #2969298 by megamanenm
- Por favor, observe detenidamente los detalles del contrato.Please look carefully at the details of the contract.
- Los invitados deben mirar al frente durante la presentación.The guests should look forward during the presentation.
- ¡Mira ese perro adorable!Look at that adorable dog!
- ¡Oye, mira ese coche nuevo!Hey, look at that new car!
- Mira vos qué lindo te queda ese sombrero.Look how good that hat looks on you.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a viewpoint during a trip.
- Daniel¡Mira esa montaña, Sofía!Look at that mountain, Sofía!
- SofíaEs muy hermosa, Daniel.It is very beautiful, Daniel.
- DanielQuiero mirar el horizonte un poco más.I want to look at the horizon a bit more.
- SofíaYo también quiero mirar el atardecer.I want to look at the sunset too.
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.
