ver cómo
/beɾ komo/from spelling rules
To say "see how" in Spanish, use ver cómo.
To observe or discover the way in which something is done or happens.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb ver (to see) and the interrogative adverb cómo (how).
Which one should you use?
The phrase Mira cómo is used in informal situations to mean "see how" or "look how". Additionally, the informal expression Fíjate cómo can be translated as "check out how".
How does it change in a sentence?
When ver cómo introduces a clause describing a manner or a state, the following verb is typically in the indicative mood, though the subjunctive may be used if the outcome is uncertain or hypothetical.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb ver can be used as a polite way to avoid saying 'no' directly. A person might say voy a ver cómo puedo to signal that something is likely impossible without being blunt.
- The Spanish verb ver shares an ancient ancestor with the English words 'wit' and 'wise'. Both stems trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to see' or 'to know'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear ver cómo used in a way that sounds like a question of 'whether' or 'if' something happens, rather than just asking for the method.
Examples in context
- Quiero ver cómo acaba.I want to see how it ends.This sentence shows the use of ver cómo to describe an ending.Tatoeba #4163719 by Shishir, translation #2544969 by CK
- Solo quería ver cómo estabas.I just wanted to see how you were doing.This sentence shows the use of ver cómo to inquire about someone's state.Tatoeba #4685018 by Shishir, translation #3619040 by CK
- Esperemos a ver cómo van las cosas.Let's wait and see how things go.This sentence shows the use of ver cómo to describe the progress of events.Tatoeba #1654710 by marcelostockle, translation #1096378 by CK
- Observa cómo el software optimiza los procesos de tu empresa.See how the software optimizes your company's processes.
- Mira cómo el producto resuelve tus necesidades.See how the product solves your needs.
- Fíjate cómo se mueve ese bailarín. ¡Es impresionante!See how that dancer moves. It's impressive!
- Mira cómo se formó ese arcoíris después de la tormenta.See how that rainbow formed after the storm.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in the kitchen.
- MateoMira este pastel, quiero ver cómo lo hiciste.Look at this cake, I want to see how you made it.
- LucíaFue muy fácil, es una receta nueva.It was very easy, it is a new recipe.
- MateoEnséñame el proceso para ver cómo se hace.Show me the process to see how it is done.
- LucíaClaro, Mateo, te explico ahora mismo.Sure, Mateo, I will explain it to you right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, ver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
