Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| visión | /biˈsjon/ | feminine |
| vista | /ˈbista/ | feminine |
Spanish uses different words for vision depending on whether you mean the physical sense or a mental concept. Vista is used for the physical ability to see (eyesight) or a physical view/scenery. Visión is used for a mental image, a dream, a prophetic vision or a conceptual way of seeing something, such as a business vision.
Which one should you use?
Use vista when referring to the physical ability to see or the sense of sight. You can also use vista to refer to a physical view or scenery. Use visión when referring to a mental image, a dream, a prophetic vision or a conceptual way of seeing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When talking about the health or quality of one's eyesight, Spanish speakers typically use the definite article with vista, such as in the phrase tener la vista cansada (to have tired eyes/sight).
How do you pronounce it?
/biˈsjon/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, vista can refer to a legal 'hearing' or 'trial', moving the word away from the realm of the eyes entirely.
- The word visión and the English 'vision' share the same Proto-Indo-European root, *weyd-, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'wit'.
- In Spanish, the phrase tener vista can describe someone who is observant or 'sharp-eyed' rather than just referring to their biological capacity to see.
Examples in context
- He tenido una visión.I had a vision.This sentence is useful for describing having a vision using visión.Tatoeba #4627165 by Shishir, translation #1887332 by CK
- Tom tiene vista 20/20.Tom has 20/20 vision.This sentence is useful for describing 20/20 eyesight using vista.Tatoeba #1503330 by marcelostockle, translation #1109322 by CK
- ¿Cómo tienes la vista?How is your vision?This sentence is useful for asking about the quality of someone's sight using vista.Tatoeba #10108937 by manufrutos, translation #9850983 by NurseMeeks
- Su visión del futuro es muy inspiradora.His/Her vision of the future is very inspiring.
- Necesito ampliar mi perspectiva de futuro y pensar más allá de lo inmediato.I need to broaden my future vision and think beyond the immediate.
- Si quieres alcanzar el éxito, debes aprender a ver más allá.If you want to achieve success, you must learn to see beyond.
- Su visión empresarial ha llevado a su compañía al éxito en Latinoamérica.His/Her business vision has led their company to success in Latin America.
- La visión de futuro de nuestra empresa es expandirnos internacionalmente.Our company's future vision is to expand internationally.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at an eye doctor's appointment.
- MateoMaría, ¿cómo está tu visión hoy?María, how is your vision today?
- MaríaSiento que mi visión es un poco borrosa.I feel that my vision is a bit blurry.
- MateoEl doctor puede revisar tu visión ahora.The doctor can check your vision now.
- MaríaEspero recuperar mi visión normal pronto.I hope to recover my normal vision soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vision” translations and entries visión, vista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries visión, vista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
