parece
“parece” means “it seems” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
it seems, it looks
Also: it appears
📝 In Action
Parece que va a llover.
A1It looks like it's going to rain.
El pastel parece delicioso.
A2The cake looks delicious.
Parece cansado hoy.
A2He seems tired today.
I think
Also: it seems to me
📝 In Action
¿Qué te parece la idea?
A2What do you think of the idea?
Me parece una buena solución.
A2I think it's a good solution.
A ella le parece que el libro es aburrido.
B1She thinks that the book is boring.
to look like
Also: to resemble
📝 In Action
Mi hermana se parece mucho a mi madre.
B1My sister looks a lot like my mother.
Ese edificio se parece a una nave espacial.
B1That building looks like a spaceship.
En el carácter, no nos parecemos en nada.
B2In terms of character, we are not at all alike.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: parece
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'You look like your father'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb 'parēscere', which is a form of 'parēre', meaning 'to appear' or 'to be visible'. It's related to the idea of something coming into view.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'me parece' and 'creo'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable for 'I think'. However, 'me parece' can be a little softer, like saying 'it seems to me'. 'Creo' (I believe) can sound a bit stronger or more certain. When in doubt, both are good ways to give your opinion.
Why do I need 'se' and 'a' for 'to look like'?
Think of 'parecerse a' as a single unit that means 'to resemble'. The 'se' signals that we're comparing two things, and the 'a' connects the first person/thing to the second one. Without them, 'parecer' just means 'to seem'. So, 'Él parece un doctor' (He seems like a doctor) is different from 'Él se parece a un doctor' (He looks like a specific doctor).
Can I say 'parezco'?
Yes! 'Parezco' is the 'yo' (I) form. You can say 'Parezco cansado' (I look tired) or 'Me parezco a mi abuela' (I look like my grandmother). The verb changes to match who you're talking about, just like other verbs.