parecer
“parecer” means “to seem” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to seem, to look
Also: to appear
📝 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.
to think, to strike (someone) as
Also: to find
📝 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).
opinion, view
Also: mind
📝 In Action
A mi parecer, es un error.
B2In my opinion, it is a mistake.
Ella cambió de parecer.
B2She changed her mind.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: parecer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I think it's good' using 'parecer'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'parescere', which meant 'to come forth' or 'to become visible'.
First recorded: 12th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.