parece
/pa-REH-seh/
When something gives a certain impression, like this cloud, you use 'parece'. It looks like it might rain.
parece (Verb)
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
Describing How Things Seem
Use 'parece' followed by an adjective (parece fácil) or by 'que' (parece que es fácil) to talk about how something looks or feels based on your senses.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Ver' (to see)
Mistake: "Yo veo que va a llover."
Correction: Parece que va a llover. Use 'parece' for impressions or guesses, and 'ver' for things you are certain you can see with your eyes.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Gentle Way to Observe
Saying 'Parece cansado' (He seems tired) is often softer and more polite than stating 'Está cansado' (He is tired), as it shows you're making an observation, not a definite judgment.
You use 'me parece' to share what you think. It's like saying, 'it seems to me that...' or simply 'I think...'
parece (Verb)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Giving Your Opinion with 'Parecer'
To say what you think, use 'me/te/le parece que...'. The little word in front (me, te, le) shows who has the opinion. For example, 'Me parece' means 'I think' or 'It seems to me'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the word 'que'
Mistake: "Me parece es una buena idea."
Correction: Me parece QUE es una buena idea. When you follow 'me parece' with a full thought or sentence, you almost always need to connect it with 'que'.
⭐ Usage Tips
A 'Softer' Opinion than 'Creo'
Saying 'Me parece que...' is often a slightly softer or more polite way to state your opinion than 'Creo que...' (I believe that...). It suggests it's your impression, not a hard fact.
When someone looks like another person, you can say 'se parece a...'. This girl really resembles the woman next to her.
parece (Verb)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Formula: 'parecerse a'
To say someone or something looks like another, you need two special words: 'se' before the verb, and 'a' after it. 'Ella SE parece A su tía.' (She looks like her aunt).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'se' or 'a'
Mistake: "Ella parece su tía."
Correction: Ella SE parece A su tía. For resemblance, you need both 'se' and 'a'. Without them, it means 'She seems to be her aunt', which is very different and a bit strange!
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Just Looks
You can use 'parecerse en algo' (to be similar in something) to talk about similarities that aren't physical, like personality or habits. For example, 'Nos parecemos en el humor'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: parece
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'You look like your father'?
📚 More Resources
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.