What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'open the eyes'. In Spanish, the definite article is used instead of a possessive adjective when referring to body parts.
Which one should you use?
The form abre los ojos is used when addressing one person informally. For a single person in a formal context, use abra los ojos. To address a group of people, use the plural form abran los ojos.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form abre los ojos uses the informal singular imperative, also known as the tú form. For the formal singular context (usted), the verb changes to abra los ojos. To address multiple people, the verb changes to abran los ojos.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying abre tus ojos by translating 'your' literally. While English speakers often do this, it is much more natural in Spanish to use the definite article los when referring to body parts.
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean slang, abre los ojos is used as a warning to 'watch out' or 'pay attention' to a trick or trap.
- The word los in abre los ojos evolved from the Latin word illōs, which actually meant 'those' rather than 'the'.
- In Spanish, referring to body parts with los instead of 'your' is so ingrained that using a possessive adjective like tus can sometimes imply that the eyes belong to someone else entirely.
Examples in context
- Abre los ojos, Tom.Open your eyes, Tom.This example shows how to address someone by name using abre los ojos.Tatoeba #10021056 by Shishir, translation #2647632 by CK
- Ahora abre los ojos.Open your eyes now.This is useful for adding the word 'now' to the command with abre los ojos.Tatoeba #10496395 by Shishir, translation #10482242 by Cookie_cat
- Abre los ojos, por favor.Open your eyes, please.This example demonstrates how to add 'please' to the command using abre los ojos.Tatoeba #1329246 by marcelostockle, translation #323771 by CK
- Abre los ojos, ¡es justo ahí!Open your eyes, it's right there!
- Por favor, abra sus ojos, esta parte es emocionantePlease, open your eyes, this part is exciting
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
