mire
“mire” means “look” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
look
Also: watch, see here
📝 In Action
Mire, señor, se le cayó la cartera.
A1Look, sir, you dropped your wallet.
Mire a la derecha antes de cruzar la calle.
A2Look to the right before crossing the street.
Por favor, mire este documento y fírmelo.
B1Please, look at this document and sign it.
look
Also: watch
📝 In Action
Espero que mire la película esta noche.
A2I hope that you (formal) watch the movie tonight.
No creo que él me mire cuando hablo.
B1I don't think he looks at me when I talk.
El profesor quiere que yo mire la pizarra.
B1The teacher wants me to look at the board.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mire
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is a polite command to a stranger?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Mire' comes from the verb 'mirar', which traces back to the Latin word 'mīrārī'. This Latin word meant 'to wonder at, to admire, to be amazed by'. So, at its heart, looking has always been connected to a sense of wonder.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'mire' and 'mira'?
It's all about who you're talking to! Use 'mira' when giving a command to someone you know well, like a friend or family member (the informal 'tú'). Use 'mire' for commands to someone you want to show respect to, like a stranger, an older person, or a boss (the formal 'usted').
Why does 'mire' appear in sentences like 'Espero que mire...'?
This is a special verb form called the subjunctive. Spanish uses it after phrases that express wishes ('espero que...'), doubts ('dudo que...'), or demands ('quiero que...'). It signals that what follows isn't a sure thing or a fact, but something uncertain or desired. 'Mire' is the subjunctive form for 'yo', 'él', 'ella', and 'usted'.