parecen
/pah-REH-sen/
seem
The verb 'parecen' means 'seem' or 'appear.' This sun appears to be winking.
parecen(Verb)
seem
?They seem or appear to be something
,appear
?To look a certain way
look
?They look (tired, happy, etc.)
📝 In Action
Los turistas parecen cansados después de caminar tanto.
A1The tourists seem tired after walking so much.
Esas ideas parecen muy buenas para el proyecto.
A2Those ideas appear very good for the project.
Ustedes parecen muy contentos con el resultado.
A2You all seem very pleased with the result.
💡 Grammar Points
Who Does the Seeming?
The ending '-en' tells us that the feeling or appearance applies to a group of people or things (ellos, ellas, or plural usted).
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The base verb 'parecer' is irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present tense and all forms derived from it (like the subjunctive): 'yo parezco' (I seem/appear). This 'zc' change is normal for verbs ending in -ecer.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Ser/Estar and Parecer
Mistake: "Misusing 'ser' or 'estar' when expressing a visual impression: 'Son cansados' (They are tired, permanently)."
Correction: 'Parecen cansados' (They seem tired). 'Parecer' is perfect for giving your personal impression or observation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emotion
You can emphasize your surprise or certainty by adding adverbs: 'Parecen realmente aliviados' (They seem really relieved).
'Parecen' also means 'look like' or 'resemble.' These two apples look exactly alike.
parecen(Verb)
look like
?To resemble something/someone
take after
?Used for family members
📝 In Action
Dicen que sus hijos parecen a la abuela.
B1They say that their children look like their grandmother.
Estas casas nuevas parecen a las de hace veinte años.
B2These new houses look like the ones from twenty years ago.
💡 Grammar Points
The Necessary 'A'
When 'parecen' means 'to look like' another person or thing, it must be followed immediately by the preposition 'a': 'Parecen a la abuela'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: parecen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'parecen' to mean 'to resemble' (look like)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'yo' form of the base verb 'parecer' so different (parezco)?
This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -ecer, -ucir, and -ocer in Spanish. To keep the sound consistent, the 'c' changes to 'zc' before an 'o' in the 'yo' form. 'Parecen' doesn't need this change because it's the plural form.
When should I use 'parecen' instead of 'creo que son' (I think they are)?
'Parecen' is better when you are describing a visual impression, how something looks externally ('They look tired'). 'Creo que son' is better for expressing a personal belief or judgment that is less reliant on appearance ('I think they are smart').