mire
/MEE-reh/
look
The most common use of 'Mire' is as a formal command meaning 'Look!' or 'Watch!' (used when addressing someone respectfully).
mire(Verb)
look
?as a polite command
watch
?as a polite instruction
,see here
?to politely get someone's attention
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Giving Polite Commands
This is the command form of 'mirar' (to look) that you use when speaking to someone formally ('usted'). Think of it as the polite way to say 'Look!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Formal and Informal
Mistake: "Using 'mira' when you should be formal, for example, with an older person: 'Señora, mira esto.'"
Correction: Always use 'mire' when addressing someone as 'usted' or 'señor/señora': 'Señora, mire esto.' It shows respect.
⭐ Usage Tips
Getting Attention
You can use 'Mire...' at the start of a sentence just like you'd use 'Excuse me...' or 'Look...' in English to politely get someone's attention before you ask a question or point something out.
In the subjunctive mood, 'mire' is used after expressions of wishes or doubts, meaning 'that I/he/she/you look' or 'that I/he/she/you watch'.
mire(Verb)
look
?in sentences about wishes, doubts, etc.
watch
?in sentences about wishes, doubts, etc.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Mood' for Wishes and Doubts (Subjunctive)
Spanish has a special verb form for things that aren't facts, like wishes, doubts, or emotions. After a phrase like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'no creo que' (I don't think that), the verb changes to 'mire'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the 'Fact' Form by Mistake
Mistake: "Quiero que usted mira la casa."
Correction: Say 'Quiero que usted mire la casa.' After 'quiero que' (I want that...), you need to use this special 'mire' form, not the regular 'mira'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Who uses 'mire' this way?
In this special 'mood,' 'mire' is the form for 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (you, formal). The context of the sentence will tell you who is doing the looking.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mire
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is a polite command to a stranger?
📚 More Resources
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'.