parece
/paɾeθe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'looks like' is translated as parece.
You can use parece to express that someone or something has a particular appearance or seems to be a certain way. To express that a situation or fact appears to be true, use the phrase parece que followed by a clause.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between expressing an impression and expressing physical resemblance. Use the phrase parece que when saying 'it looks like/it seems that' regarding a situation. However, when you want to say that one person or thing physically resembles another, you must use the pronominal form parecerse a.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form parece is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb parecer, meaning 'he/she/it looks like'.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾeθe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the reflexive form parecerse to describe physical resemblance, do not forget to include the preposition a. For example, instead of saying se parece él, you should say se parece a él.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, parece can be used as a sarcastic response to a statement of the obvious. Saying ¡Parece! is like saying 'No kidding!' or 'You don't say!' in English.
- When using parecerse a to describe a resemblance, Spanish speakers often use the word clavadito as an intensifier. Saying someone is clavadito a another person means they are a 'spitting image' or a perfect match.
- If you say no me parece, you are not saying that something 'does not look like' you, but rather that you 'do not agree' with an idea or opinion.
Examples in context
- Tom se parece a ti.Tom looks like you.This sentence shows how to use the verb to express physical resemblance between people.Tatoeba #2219474 by Shishir, translation #1868044 by CK
- Parece que es rica.She looks like she's wealthy.This sentence demonstrates how to use parece que to express that a fact appears to be true.Tatoeba #10728301 by saverius, translation #7403084 by CH
- Se parece a un pato.It looks like a duck.This sentence shows how to use the reflexive form to describe resemblance to an animal.Tatoeba #1230817 by marcelostockle, translation #67766 by CK
- Parece que va a llover hoy.It looks like it's going to rain today.
- Da la impresión de que estás cansado.It looks like you're tired.
- Se ve que te gusta mucho el fútbol.It looks like you really like soccer.
- Está como que se va a terminar la fiesta temprano.It looks like the party is going to end early or something.
- 211 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- Elena¿Qué te parece el plato de pasta?How does the pasta dish look to you?
- MateoParece muy rico, Elena.It looks very tasty, Elena.
- ElenaSí, parece la mejor opción de la carta.Yes, it looks like the best option on the menu.
- MateoEntonces vamos a pedir eso.Then let's order that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
