ver
/ˈbeɾ/
The English phrase "to see" is translated into Spanish as ver.
ver is the most common and versatile way to say "to see" in Spanish. It refers to the act of perceiving something using the eyes. Beyond visual perception, ver is also used to mean "to visit" or "to meet with" a person, much like the English expression "I am going to see my doctor". Additionally, the expression a ver is used to mean "let's see" or "let's have a look".
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish ver from mirar. While ver means to perceive with the eyes, mirar means to look at or watch something intentionally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ver is irregular in the first person singular present indicative. Instead of a regular pattern, it takes the form veo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the verb ver in the expression no ver la hora, which literally means 'to not see the hour' but actually means to be extremely eager for something to happen.
- The Spanish verb ver is a distant linguistic relative of the English words 'wit' and 'wise'. Both descend from the same ancient root describing the ability to perceive or know.
- The word ver is also the root of the word verdad, meaning 'truth'. This reflects an ancient cultural idea that truth is something that is seen or witnessed.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué vas a ver?What are you going to see?This sentence uses ver to ask about a future intention of seeing something.Tatoeba #1350959 by marcelostockle, translation #24709 by CK
- Iba a ver a Tom.I was going to see Tom.This sentence uses ver to describe an intention to see a person.Tatoeba #2828813 by marcelostockle, translation #2546791 by CK
- Hoy la voy a ver.I'm going to see her today.This sentence uses ver to express an intention to see a female person.Tatoeba #1393684 by Shishir, translation #1522077 by erikspen
- Quisiera ver el informe, por favor.I would like to see the report, please.
- Voy a echar un vistazo a la nueva tienda.I'm going to take a look at the new store.
- ¿Podría mirar mi currículum, por favor?Could you please look at my resume?
- Voy a ver a mi abuela mañana.I'm going to see my grandmother tomorrow.
- A ver qué hay en el paquete.Let's see what's in the package.
- 1116 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are looking for a lost key on the floor.
- LucíaNo puedo ver la llave aquí.I cannot see the key here.
- DanielYo sí puedo ver algo brillante.I can see something shiny.
- Lucía¿Dónde puedes ver eso, Daniel?Where can you see that, Daniel?
- DanielLo puedes ver debajo de la mesa.You can see it under the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ver, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
