observar
“observar” means “observe” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
observe, watchAlso: notice, gaze at
📝 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.
Word Connections
comply with, followAlso: adhere to
📝 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.
Word Connections
remark, point outAlso: comment
📝 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.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Latin verb *observāre*, which meant 'to watch, guard, or heed.' Its meaning has stayed very consistent over the centuries, emphasizing careful attention.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.