mirar
/miˈɾaɾ/
To look is mirar in Spanish.
mirar means to direct one's gaze toward someone or something in order to see them. Related terms include observar (to observe), contemplar (to contemplate) and examinar (to examine).
Which one should you use?
While mirar means to direct your gaze toward something (to look), ver refers to the act of perceiving with the eyes (to see).
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, mirar can be used to mean 'to aim' a weapon or a tool, a usage shared with the Portuguese word mirar.
- While mirar is the standard word for looking, the phrase echar un vistazo is the common idiomatic way to say 'to take a quick look' or 'to glance'.
- Spanish speakers use the phrase mirar por to mean 'to look out for' someone's interests or welfare, rather than just looking through a window.
Examples in context
- El profesor miró detenidamente el informe de investigación.The professor looked closely at the research report.
- yo miroI look
- ellos miranThey look
- Voy a ver la nueva película de superhéroes este fin de semana.I'm going to watch the new superhero movie this weekend.
- veoI see
- ¡Mira eso!Look at that!
- Me gusta mirar las estrellas.I like to look at the stars.
- ¿Puedes mirar por la ventana?Can you look out the window?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are in an art gallery.
- AlejandroElena, mira este cuadro.Elena, look at this painting.
- ElenaEs muy bonito, Alejandro.It is very beautiful, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDebemos mirar todos los detalles.We should look at all the details.
- ElenaTienes razón, es impresionante.You are right, it is impressive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mirar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mirar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
