parecer
/pah-reh-SEHR/
to seem
Parecer (to seem): The animal seems large from this distance.
parecer(Verb)
to seem
?General appearance or impression
,to look
?Visual impression, e.g., 'You look tired'
to appear
?Formal synonym for seem
📝 In Action
Pareces cansado hoy.
A1You look tired today.
El examen parece difícil.
A1The exam seems difficult.
Parece que va a llover.
A2It looks like it is going to rain.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Z' Change
In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes to 'parezco'. This 'zc' sound also appears in all forms of the Present Subjunctive (parezca).
Looking like vs. Looking at
Don't confuse 'parecer' (to look a certain way) with 'mirar' (to look AT something). Use 'parecer' to describe appearances.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Como'
Mistake: "Pareces como cansado."
Correction: Pareces cansado.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing resemblance
If you want to say someone looks exactly like their father or mother, add 'se' and 'a': 'Ella se parece a su madre' (She looks like her mother).
Parecer (to think): I think this is a great idea.
parecer(Verb)
to think
?Used to express opinion
,to strike (someone) as
?e.g., 'It strikes me as odd'
to find
?e.g., 'I find it interesting'
📝 In Action
Me parece buena idea.
A2I think it's a good idea (It seems like a good idea to me).
¿Qué te parece este vestido?
A2What do you think of this dress?
Nos parece justo.
B1It seems fair to us (We think it's fair).
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Gustar' Pattern
When using 'parecer' to give an opinion, it works just like 'gustar'. You use 'me', 'te', 'le', 'nos', or 'les' before the verb to show WHO has the opinion.
Agreement
The verb usually stays singular ('parece') because it is agreeing with the situation or the thing being discussed, not with you.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Saying 'Yo parezco'
Mistake: "Yo parezco que es bueno."
Correction: Me parece que es bueno.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softening Opinions
Using 'Me parece que...' is a polite and soft way to state your opinion, similar to 'It seems to me that...' in English, rather than a blunt 'It is...'.
Parecer (opinion): The judge delivered a strong opinion on the case.
parecer(Noun)
opinion
?Formal view or judgment
,view
?Point of view
mind
?In phrases like 'change one's mind'
📝 In Action
A mi parecer, es un error.
B2In my opinion, it is a mistake.
Ella cambió de parecer.
B2She changed her mind.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrases
As a noun, 'parecer' is almost always found in specific phrases like 'A mi parecer' or 'cambiar de parecer'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Sophisticated
Use 'A mi parecer' instead of 'En mi opinión' when you want to sound a bit more formal or elegant.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: parecer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I think it's good' using 'parecer'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'parecer' and 'parecerse'?
'Parecer' usually means 'to seem' or 'to look' (e.g., You look happy). 'Parecerse' (often with 'a') means 'to resemble' physically, like looking like a family member.
Is 'parecer' regular?
It is mostly regular, but the 'yo' form in the present tense is 'parezco' (not 'pareco'), and this change carries over to the subjunctive mood.
Do I use the subjunctive after 'parece que'?
Generally, no. If you say 'Parece que va a llover' (It looks like it's going to rain), use the indicative. However, if you say 'NO parece que...' (It doesn't look like...), you often trigger the subjunctive because you are expressing doubt.