mirar
/miˈɾaɾ/
To watch in Spanish is mirar.
mirar is used to mean to direct one's gaze toward something, or to look at something.
Which one should you use?
While mirar means to direct one's gaze toward something, the verb ver is often used more naturally when talking about watching movies, TV shows or sports.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund or present participle form of mirar is mirando, which means watching.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use mirar for 'to watch' in all contexts, but for 'watching a movie' or 'watching a game', ver is frequently more idiomatic in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Did you know?
- The English word 'admire' is a close linguistic cousin to mirar, as both share the same Latin root involving looking with wonder.
- The phrase mirar por alguien can mean 'to look out for someone' or 'to care for someone's interests' in certain contexts.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, adding ¡Mira! to a sentence functions more like an exclamation of 'Look at that!' or 'Imagine that!' rather than a command to visually observe.
Examples in context
- No me gusta mirar televisión.I don't like to watch tv.Tatoeba #1496902 by marcelostockle, translation #1568730 by Sharaf78
- A Tom le gusta mirar deporte en la televisión.Tom likes to watch sports on television.Tatoeba #5207845 by diegocas33, translation #5207851 by CK
- Tomé como regla no mirar televisión después de las nueve.I make it a rule not to watch television after nine o'clock.Tatoeba #2727906 by emanuel81, translation #18400 by CK
- Debo ver esa película tan aclamada.I must watch that highly acclaimed movie.
- El científico tiene que observar cuidadosamente los resultados del experimento.The scientist has to carefully watch the results of the experiment.
- ¿Viste el partido anoche?Did you watch the game last night?
- Yo miro series todas las noches.I watch TV series every night.
- Vamos a echar un vistazo a esta tienda de antigüedades.Let's take a look at this antique store.
- Me gusta ver películas de terror.I like watching horror movies.
- Los pájaros son hermosos, puedo observarlos por horas.The birds are beautiful, I can watch them for hours.
- Quisiera ir a ver la exposición de arte este fin de semana.I'd like to go see the art exhibition this weekend.
- ¿Vas a ver el partido de fútbol conmigo?Are you going to watch the soccer game with me?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at a window looking at the street.
- JavierSofía, vamos a mirar el cielo.Sofía, let's watch the sky.
- SofíaSí, quiero mirar las nubes.Yes, I want to watch the clouds.
- JavierMira, hay un pájaro grande.Look, there is a big bird.
- SofíaEs muy bonito mirar la naturaleza.It is very nice to watch nature.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mirar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
