me parece una buena idea
/me paɾeθe una bwena idea/from spelling rules
To say "that sounds like a good idea" in Spanish, you use me parece una buena idea.
This phrase is used to express agreement with a suggestion or a plan. While English speakers use the verb "to sound" to express an impression, Spanish speakers use the verb parecer (to seem) to express the same sentiment.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, me parece una buena idea translates to "it seems like a good idea to me."
Which one should you use?
The form me parece una buena idea expresses how the idea seems to you personally. If you omit the me and say parece una buena idea, you are stating that the idea is objectively good rather than just how it seems to you personally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb parecer is used in the third person singular because the subject of the sentence is the idea itself, not the speaker.
Did you know?
- The word idea comes from the Ancient Greek word ἰδέα, which is rooted in the verb 'to see'. This means that in its earliest form, an 'idea' was literally something that could be seen or envisioned.
- While me parece una buena idea is the standard way to agree, Spanish speakers often use the word vale in Spain as a shorthand that combines the meaning of 'okay' and 'that sounds like a good idea'.
- Spanish has a related expression me suena, which literally means 'it sounds to me'. While parecer is used for opinions, sonar is used specifically when something sounds familiar or reminds the speaker of something else.
Examples in context
- Me parece una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea to me.This sentence is useful for expressing that something sounds like a good idea to you.Tatoeba #7154368 by arh, translation #9814546 by DJ_Saidez
- Me parece una buena idea ir al cine.It sounds like a good idea to go to the cinema.
- Tu plan me parece una buena idea.Your plan sounds like a good idea to me.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing what to do for dinner.
- María¿Quieres pedir pizza esta noche?Do you want to order pizza tonight?
- AlejandroSí, me parece una buena idea.Yes, that sounds like a good idea.
- MaríaEntonces, yo la pido por teléfono.Then, I will order it by phone.
- AlejandroPerfecto, gracias, María.Perfect, thanks, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idea, me, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
