mirar fijamente
/miɾaɾ fixamente/from spelling rules
The English word "staring" is translated into Spanish as mirar fijamente.
The phrase is used to describe the act of looking fixedly with wide-open eyes.
Meaning: looking fixedly with wide-open eyes (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb mirar (to look) and the adverb fijamente (fixedly or steadfastly).
Which one should you use?
The expression quedarse mirando is a common way to describe someone who has become transfixed or is caught in a state of staring.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of "staring" (the present participle), you use the gerund form mirando fijamente.
Did you know?
- While mirar fijamente is the literal translation, Spanish speakers often use the verb clavar (to nail) in the phrase clavar la mirada. This describes staring as if the eyes were nails driven into an object.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, mirar fijamente can be perceived as an aggressive or confrontational act. Prolonged eye contact with a stranger may be interpreted as a challenge or a sign of hostility.
- The verb mirar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'marvel', which traces back to the Latin 'mīrārī' meaning 'to marvel at'.
Examples in context
- Él me miraba fijamenteHe was staring at me intently
- Juan me miraba fijamente, con los ojos muy abiertos y cejas fruncidasJuan was staring at me intently with wide eyes and furrowed brows
- No me mires fijamente.Don't stare at me.
- Ella empezó a mirar fijamente la pantalla.She started staring at the screen.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at a cafe and notice someone acting strange.
- LucíaEse hombre está mirando fijamente hacia nosotros.That man is staring at us.
- DanielEs verdad, es muy incómodo.It's true, it's very uncomfortable.
- LucíaNo quiero mirar fijamente su cara.I don't want to stare at his face.
- DanielMejor vámonos de aquí, Lucía.We should leave here, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fijamente, mirar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
