Spanish Conversation · Level 31
90 words
Spanish word
mirar
Pronunciation
IPA/miˈɾaɾ/
Meaning
- verblook at
Example
Por favor, mira esto.
Please look at this.
More examples
Prefiero mirar la televisión por la noche.
I prefer to watch television at night.
Core concept
A person directing their gaze toward an object to observe it closely.
Common phrases
mirar la televisión
watch television
mirar de reojo
glance sideways
mirar el reloj
look at the clock
mirar con atención
look carefully
Similar words
ver: Simply sees something visually without special focus or inspection.
fijarse: Centers attention on something to become consciously aware of it.
echar un vistazo: Takes a short, cursory look to check something quickly.
observar: Observes something with focused attention to monitor details or movement.
Definition in Spanish
Dirigir la vista hacia algo o alguien con atención para verlo u observarlo.
Word origin
From Latin mirari 'to wonder or look at' via medieval Latin mirare, Spanish mirar retains the sense of directing the eyes to observe.
Usage tips
- Spanish contrasts mirar with ver: mirar implies intentional attention or inspection, and it normally takes a before a person (mirar a alguien).