What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase mira allá, mira is the imperative form of the verb mirar (to look) and allá means "there" (referring to a distant location).
Which one should you use?
The forms provided differ based on the number of people you are addressing and the level of formality required. mira allá refers to a distant location, while other variations like Mire ahí are used for different levels of politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The grammar of these commands changes based on who you are addressing. mira allá uses the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to one person you know well or are on familiar terms with. mire allá is the formal singular imperative, used when speaking to one person in a respectful or professional manner. If you are addressing two or more people simultaneously, use the plural imperative miren allá.
How do you pronounce it?
/miɾa aʝa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying mira is often accompanied by a subtle tilt of the head or a gesture with the chin toward the object, rather than pointing with a finger, which can be seen as too aggressive.
- The word allá is often used in the phrase más allá, which refers to the 'afterlife' or a metaphysical realm beyond the physical world.
- The verb mirar is derived from the Latin 'mirari', which means 'to wonder at' or 'to admire'.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira allá! Hay un pájaro azul.Look over there! There is a blue bird.
- Mira allá, el cielo está increíble.Look over there, the sky is incredible.
- ¡Mira allá! Hay un avión.Look over there! There is a plane.
- Mira allá, en la cima de la montaña.Look over there, on top of the mountain.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are walking in a park when she sees something interesting.
- LucíaMateo, mira allá.Mateo, look over there.
- Mateo¿Qué pasa, Lucía?What is happening, Lucía?
- LucíaEse pájaro de colores es hermoso.That colorful bird is beautiful.
- Mateo¡Es verdad, es muy lindo!It's true, it is very pretty!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
