Confusing Ser/Estar and Parecer

The ending '-en' tells us that the feeling or appearance applies to a group of people or things (ellos, ellas, or plural usted).

Who Does the Seeming?

The base verb 'parecer' is irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present tense and all forms derived from it (like the subjunctive): 'yo parezco' (I seem/appear). This 'zc' change is normal for verbs ending in -ecer.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

You can emphasize your surprise or certainty by adding adverbs: 'Parecen *realmente* aliviados' (They seem *really* relieved).

Adding Emotion

Extremely common. Used constantly to express how a group of people or things looks or feels.

When 'parecen' means 'to look like' another person or thing, it must be followed immediately by the preposition 'a': 'Parecen *a* la abuela'.

The Necessary 'A'

Common when describing physical similarity between different people or objects.

Learn the full meaning and usage of the Spanish word 'parecen' (they seem/appear) in the present tense. Includes translations, examples, and simple grammar explanations for learners.

parecen

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations