observa
/ohb-sehr-vah/
watches
When someone watches something closely, they observa it.
observa(Verb (Conjugated Form))
watches
?He/she/it watches closely
,observes
?He/she/it observes (formal)
notice
?Command: Notice! (tú form)
,pays attention to
?He/she pays attention to
📝 In Action
Ella observa el cielo buscando estrellas fugaces.
A2She watches the sky looking for shooting stars.
¡Observa cómo lo hace el instructor antes de intentarlo tú mismo!
B1Observe how the instructor does it before trying it yourself!
Usted observa los detalles con mucha precisión, señor Torres.
B2You (formal) observe the details with great precision, Mr. Torres.
💡 Grammar Points
Use as a Command
"Observa" is the friendly, informal command form (tú) to tell someone to watch or pay attention.
Present Tense Action
In the present tense, 'observa' describes an action happening now or a habitual action performed by one person (he, she, or formal you).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Observa' and 'Mira'
Mistake: "Using 'observa' when you mean a quick glance, like 'Mira la televisión'."
Correction: Use 'observa' for detailed, careful watching. 'Mira' is better for simply looking or watching TV.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Command
If you are speaking to someone formally (like a boss or elder), use 'observe' (with the 'e' ending) instead of 'observa' (with the 'a' ending).
When someone remarks or comments on something, they observa it (in this context).
observa(Verb (Conjugated Form))
remarks
?He/she/it states or comments
points out
?He/she highlights an issue
📝 In Action
El comité observa que los costos han excedido el presupuesto original.
B2The committee remarks that the costs have exceeded the original budget.
Observa con calma las inconsistencias en el documento.
C1Calmly point out (command) the inconsistencies in the document.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Statement
In this meaning, 'observa' is often followed by 'que' and introduces a formal statement or finding, similar to 'notes that' or 'states that'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If the subject is a person or group of authority (like a judge or a board), 'observa' usually means they are making a formal comment, not just looking at something.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: observa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'observa' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'observa' (from observar) and 'mira' (from mirar)?
Both mean 'to look,' but 'observa' implies a deeper, more careful, and detailed watching, often for scientific or analytical purposes. 'Mira' is a general term for looking or seeing.
Who is the subject when a Spanish speaker says 'observa'?
The subject is either 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (formal you). It is also the command form used when speaking informally to 'tú' (you).