fíjate
/FEE-hah-teh/
look
When used as a command, fíjate means 'look' or 'pay attention to this.'
fíjate(verb form)
look
?as a command to observe something
,pay attention
?as a command to focus
notice
?as a command to take note
📝 In Action
Fíjate bien en cómo lo hago antes de intentarlo tú.
A2Pay close attention to how I do it before you try it.
Fíjate, ¡hay un perro gigante en el parque!
A1Look! There's a giant dog in the park!
💡 Grammar Points
Verb + Pronoun
The word 'fíjate' is the informal command ('tú' form) of 'fijar' (to fix/secure) combined with the reflexive pronoun 'te' (yourself). The accent mark is needed because adding 'te' makes the word longer, keeping the stress on the original syllable.
Using the Command
In Spanish, when you tell someone directly to do something (a command), you attach the 'te' pronoun to the end of the verb, unlike in English where 'yourself' usually follows.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Fijate"
Correction: Fíjate. The accent on the 'i' is essential to keep the emphasis on the correct syllable when the pronoun 'te' is added.
Fíjate can be used as an interjection meaning 'wow' or 'amazing' to express surprise.
fíjate(interjection)
wow
?expressing surprise
,can you believe it?
?expressing disbelief
seriously
?expressing emphasis on a surprising fact
📝 In Action
Fíjate, ¡ganaron la lotería después de comprar un solo billete!
B1Can you believe it? They won the lottery after buying just one ticket!
Me dijo que no vendría, pero fíjate, ¡aquí está!
B2He told me he wasn't coming, but wow, here he is!
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional Filler
When used this way, 'fíjate' acts like an emotional filler word, signaling to the listener that the speaker is about to share something surprising or unexpected.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone is Key
Use an exaggerated or rising tone of voice when using 'fíjate' for surprise, similar to how you would say 'Wow!' in English.
Use fíjate to introduce a point or example, similar to saying 'check this out' or 'note this.'
fíjate(interjection)
check this out
?introducing a point or example
,listen
?seeking attention before speaking
let me tell you
?introducing an explanation
📝 In Action
Fíjate, si quieres ahorrar dinero, tienes que cocinar en casa más a menudo.
B1Listen, if you want to save money, you have to cook at home more often.
No sé qué hacer. Fíjate, si compro el coche rojo, no me queda dinero para el viaje.
B2I don't know what to do. Check this out: if I buy the red car, I won't have money left for the trip.
💡 Grammar Points
Starting a Sentence
When 'fíjate' starts a sentence, it often signals that the speaker is about to give advice, state a problem, or provide a detailed explanation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Pauses
A slight pause after 'Fíjate' (followed by a comma in writing) makes your speech sound much more natural when you are using it to transition between thoughts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fíjate
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'Fíjate, ¡se casó con su jefe!'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'fíjate' have an accent mark?
The base verb 'fija' already has stress on the 'i.' When you attach the pronoun 'te,' the word becomes longer, and Spanish rules require an accent mark ('tildes') to keep the stress on that original, important syllable (FI-ja-te).
Can I use 'fíjate' with people I don't know well?
'Fíjate' uses the informal 'tú' form, so it is best reserved for friends, family, children, or casual settings. If you are speaking formally (to a boss, a stranger, or an elder), use 'Fíjese' instead.