mira lo que
/miɾa lo ke/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'look what' is translated as mira lo que.
This expression is used to draw someone's attention to something that is happening or has been done.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mira (look/watch), lo (the/that) and que (what/that).
Which one should you use?
While the English 'look what' can sometimes stand alone as a complete exclamation, mira lo que almost always requires a following clause to be grammatically complete, such as mira lo que pasó (look what happened).
How do you pronounce it?
/miɾa lo ke/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, using mira to start a sentence can be perceived as a sharp or confrontational way to interrupt someone, rather than a neutral request for attention.
- While mira means 'look', it is also the Spanish word for 'sight' or 'aim'. In a military context, la mira refers specifically to the sight of a rifle.
- In many Spanish dialects, you might hear the command mira replaced with mirá if you are in parts of Argentina or Uruguay, where the accent shifts to the end of the word.
Examples in context
- Mira lo que Tom ha hecho.Look what Tom has done.This sentence shows how to use mira lo que to point out an action someone has completed.Tatoeba #9225470 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9225414 by CK
- Mamá, mira lo que he encontrado.Mom, look what I found.This sentence demonstrates using mira lo que to show someone a discovered object.Tatoeba #4622186 by Shishir, translation #3774126 by Hybrid
- Mira lo que el futuro nos depara.Look what the future holds for us.This sentence illustrates using mira lo que to draw attention to a future possibility.Tatoeba #10170512 by manufrutos, translation #10166272 by CK
- Mira lo que sucedió durante la reunión.Look what happened during the meeting.
- Fíjate en lo que dice el informe.Look what the report says.
- ¡Mira qué bonito está el paisaje!Look how beautiful the landscape is!
- ¡Mira qué interesante!Look how interesting!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- DanielElena, mira lo que pintó este artista.Elena, look what this artist painted.
- ElenaEs increíble, los colores son muy fuertes.It's incredible, the colors are very strong.
- DanielSí, mira lo que pasa con la luz.Yes, look what happens with the light.
- ElenaTienes razón, Daniel, es impresionante.You are right, Daniel, it is impressive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
