Spanish Conversation · Level 157
30 words
Spanish word
espiar
Pronunciation
IPA/esˈpjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbpeek
Example
No debes espiar a tu vecino.
You must not peek at your neighbor.
More examples
No intentes espiar las conversaciones privadas de otra persona.
Don't try to eavesdrop on another person's private conversations.
Core concept
Person peeking through blinds at a neighbor.
Common phrases
espiar a alguien
peek at someone
espiar por la ventana
peek through the window
espiar conversaciones ajenas
eavesdrop on other people's conversations
Similar words
cotillear: Collect and spread gossip about other people's private lives.
fisgonear: Snoop through a person's affairs or belongings to uncover hidden personal information.
husmear: Search around quietly and carefully, poking into places or matters to find clues.
mirar: Direct the eyes toward something or someone to see it.
Definition in Spanish
Mirar a escondidas a alguien, especialmente con la intención de averiguar datos privados o sus comportamientos.
Word origin
The verb comes from Vulgar Latin *spiare via Old French espier and Italian spiare and is cognate with English spy.
Usage tips
- The verb normally takes a person as its object with the personal a (espiar a alguien) and conveys secretive surveillance rather than a casual glance.