mira
/ˈmiɾa/
In Spanish, mira means 'look'.
The word mira is primarily used to translate to 'look' or 'watch' in English. It is a common way to get someone's attention or to introduce a specific point during a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
mira is the imperative or command form of the verb mirar, which means 'to look' or 'to watch'.
Which one should you use?
For example, Échale un vistazo a is an informal phrase meaning 'take a look at' or 'check out'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the level of politeness.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmiɾa/
Did you know?
- The word mira is a distant relative of the English words 'admire' and 'miracle'. Both the Spanish word and its English cousins share a root that implies looking at something with wonder or awe.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying mira while pointing your finger can be seen as overly aggressive or confrontational, even if the speaker does not intend to be rude.
- In some Caribbean dialects, you might hear people use mira not just as a command to look, but as a filler word similar to how English speakers use 'listen' or 'look' to transition between thoughts.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira! ¡Ese perro está bailando!Look! That dog is dancing!
- Mira ese árbol.Look at that tree.
- La mira del telescopio está desajustada.The sighting of the telescope is misaligned.
- Mira el partido de fútbol esta noche.Watch the soccer game tonight.
- ¡Oye, mira qué bonito se ve el atardecer desde aquí!Hey, look how beautiful the sunset looks from here!
- Mira, no es tan difícil.Look, it is not that difficult.
- Mira, tengo una idea.Look, I have an idea.
- Mira, el cielo está muy bonito hoy.Look, the sky is very beautiful today.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a new map in the park.
- AlejandroMira, María, el mapa dice que estamos aquí.Look, María, the map says we are here.
- MaríaAh, ahora sí lo veo.Ah, now I see it.
- AlejandroMira, el camino es muy corto desde aquí.Look, the path is very short from here.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
