What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive pronoun se, the verb ver (to see/look) and the adjective delicioso (delicious).
Which one should you use?
You can make the subject explicit by adding the demonstrative pronoun Eso to the beginning, forming Eso se ve delicioso, though this is often omitted in natural speech. While delicioso is a direct translation of "delicious", the phrase Se ve rico is a very common way to say something looks tasty or good.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people often use the phrases Se ve sabroso or Se ve rico to express that a dish looks mouth-watering.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the gender of the food being referred to. If the food is a feminine noun, such as la comida or la pizza, you should use the feminine form Se ve deliciosa.
How do you pronounce it?
/se be deliθjoso/
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, the word ve can actually be a command meaning 'go', derived from a different Latin root entirely.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, commenting on how delicious food looks is not just a compliment to the dish, but a vital social gesture to show appreciation for the host's effort.
- While delicioso is a direct cognate of 'delicious', Spanish speakers often prefer rico to describe tasty food. In this context, rico does not mean 'rich' in terms of money, but refers specifically to flavor.
Examples in context
- Señor / Señora, ¡qué delicia se ve eso!Sir / Madame, that looks delicious!
- Esta comida tiene una pinta fabulosa, ¿podría saber cuál es el ingrediente secreto?This food looks fabulous, could you please tell me the secret ingredient?
- ¡Uy, mamá! Eso se ve riquísimo. ¿Me das la receta?Wow, mom! That looks incredibly delicious. Could you give me the recipe?
- ¡Ese flan está de rechupete! Seguro que repetiré.That flan looks incredibly delicious! I will definitely have seconds.
- Esa salsa se ve sabrosa. ¿Cuál es el secreto de tu abuela?That salsa looks delicious. What's your grandmother's secret?
- Se ve delicioso.That looks delicious.
- Ese pastel se ve delicioso.That cake looks delicious.
- El guiso se ve delicioso.The stew looks delicious.
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a restaurant looking at a menu.
- JavierMira esta tarta de chocolate.Look at this chocolate tart.
- María¡Se ve delicioso!That looks delicious!
- JavierYo voy a pedir una.I am going to order one.
- MaríaYo también, por favor.Me too, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delicioso, se, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
