observar
/ob-ser-VAR/
observe
When we observar something, we watch it closely.
observar(verb)
observe
?to watch closely or monitor
,watch
?to look at carefully over time
notice
?to perceive something
,gaze at
?to look intently
📝 In Action
El astrónomo observa las estrellas con un telescopio potente.
B1The astronomer observes the stars with a powerful telescope.
Necesitas observar cómo lo hace el chef antes de intentarlo tú.
A2You need to watch how the chef does it before you try it.
Observamos un cambio significativo en el clima este mes.
B2We noticed a significant change in the weather this month.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
Like many common Spanish verbs, 'observar' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -AR, making its conjugation very predictable.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Observar' and 'Ver'
Mistake: "Using 'ver' when a careful, focused action is implied."
Correction: Use 'observar' when you mean to study or watch something scientifically or carefully, not just to see it quickly ('ver').
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Intent
Use 'observar' when the action is deliberate—you are actively trying to learn something from what you are watching.
To observar a rule means to comply with it.
observar(verb)
comply with
?law or rule
,follow
?a tradition or custom
adhere to
?a treaty or regulation
📝 In Action
Los ciudadanos deben observar las regulaciones de tráfico.
B2Citizens must comply with the traffic regulations.
La empresa observa estrictamente las normas de seguridad.
C1The company strictly adheres to the safety standards.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Use
This meaning is often found in official documents, contracts, or news reports, and is more formal than simply using 'cumplir' (to comply).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Abstractions
This meaning of 'observar' is almost always used with abstract concepts like 'ley' (law), 'costumbre' (custom), or 'regla' (rule).
You observar when you state a comment or remark about something you've noticed.
observar(verb)
remark
?to state a comment or finding
,point out
?to bring attention to a detail
comment
?to make an observation verbally
📝 In Action
El auditor observó que faltaban varios documentos importantes.
C1The auditor remarked (or pointed out) that several important documents were missing.
Ella observó que la solución propuesta no era viable.
C2She commented that the proposed solution was not viable.
💡 Grammar Points
Reporting Speech
When used in this sense, 'observar' often introduces a statement using 'que' (that), similar to how 'decir' (to say) is used.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Feedback
This usage is typical when giving professional or critical feedback based on a previous observation or analysis.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: observar
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'observar' is used in the sentence: 'El informe observa la necesidad de más fondos.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'observar' interchangeable with 'mirar'?
Not exactly. 'Mirar' means simply 'to look at.' 'Observar' means 'to watch carefully' or 'to study.' If you are watching TV, you might 'mirar' it, but if you are studying a bird in a tree, you would 'observar' it.
¿Es 'observar' un verbo reflexivo?
No. 'Observar' is typically used non-reflexively (meaning the action is done to something else: 'Yo observo el cielo'). However, you might hear 'observarse' meaning 'to look at oneself' or 'to watch one's own behavior,' but this is far less common.