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 watch something is with mirar. While it is the general verb for the act of looking, it is also used as an interjection to attract someone's attention. For example, you can use Mírate esto as an informal way to draw attention to something interesting or surprising, which literally translates to 'look at this'.
Which one should you use?
While mirar is the general verb for looking or watching, other forms exist. Ojear, catar and lookear are forms. In some regions, lentear is also used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term lentear is used in Latin America. The expression Echar un ojo, which means to take a quick look, is common in Spain and some Latin American countries.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun mirada refers to the action of looking or a glance, whereas mirar is the action itself. Additionally, the expression Echar un ojo literally translates to 'throw an eye'.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse mirar (to look) with ver (to see). Use mirar specifically when the intention is to direct one's gaze toward something.
When do people say it?
To take a quick look, you can use the expression Echar un ojo, which literally means 'throw an eye'.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word mirar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'miracle', as both derive from the Latin word for 'marveling at' something.
- The verb catar is often used today to describe tasting wine or food to check its quality, evolving from its original meaning of 'looking' to inspect something.
- The word lookear is a modern loanword based on the English word 'look', blending English roots with Spanish grammar.
Examples in context
- Trataba de no mirar.I was trying not to look.This sentence shows how to express the attempt of not looking using mirar.Tatoeba #2769297 by marcelostockle, translation #2689341 by fekundulo
- No puedo ni mirarte.I can't even look at you.This sentence demonstrates using mirar in the context of being unable 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 shows the use of mirar when expressing a lack of courage to look.Tatoeba #2970288 by pipus_net, translation #2969298 by megamanenm
- Observa detenidamente el objeto antes de hacer cualquier movimientoObserve the object carefully before making any moves
- Mira ese magnífico paisajeLook at that magnificent landscape
- Echa un vistazo a esta fotografíaTake a look at this photograph
- ¡Chévere! ¡Mira ese carro nuevo!Check it out! Look at that new car!
- Échale un ojo a este documento y dime qué piensasTake a quick look at this document and let me know what you think
- Déjame echar una mirada a tu problema y ver si puedo ayudarteLet me take a glance at your problem and see if I can help you
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at an art gallery.
- DanielElena, tienes que mirar este cuadro.Elena, you have to look at this painting.
- ElenaEs muy bonito, gracias por decirme.It is very beautiful, thanks for telling me.
- Daniel¿Quieres mirar los detalles más de cerca?Do you want to look at the details more closely?
- ElenaSí, vamos a acercarnos un poco.Yes, let's get a bit closer.
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.
