A high quality storybook illustration showing a young girl observing a young boy who is smiling brightly, indicating she is commenting on his appearance or state.

pareces

pah-REH-ses

verbA1regular (except 'yo' form) er

you look?physical appearance or current state (informal 'tú'),you seem?expressing an opinion or impression (informal 'tú')

Also:you appear?formal synonym for 'you seem'

Quick Reference

infinitiveparecer

gerundpareciendo

past Participleparecido

📝 In Action

Pareces muy feliz hoy. ¿Pasó algo bueno?

You look very happy today. Did something good happen?

Pareces un poco enfermo. Deberías descansar.

You seem a little sick. You should rest.

No pareces convencido con mi idea.

You don't seem convinced by my idea.

Word Connections

Synonyms

te ves (you look (less formal))
aparentas (you appear)

Common Collocations

Pareces más joven – You look younger
Pareces de buen humor – You seem to be in a good mood

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'parecer' vs. 'ser/estar'

'Parecer' is used to express an impression or opinion ('You seem nice'). 'Ser' is for permanent identity ('You are a doctor'), and 'Estar' is for temporary state ('You are sick').

Irregular 'Yo' Form

Remember that only the 'yo' form (I) is irregular in the present tense: 'Yo parezco' (I seem), but all other forms, including 'tú pareces,' follow the normal 'er' pattern.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: "Pareces a tu hermana."

Correction: Te pareces a tu hermana. (Use the reflexive form 'parecerse a' to mean 'to resemble someone.')

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'What do you think?' phrase

A very common question is '¿Qué te parece...?' which means 'What do you think of/about...?' or 'How does [it] seem to you?'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pareces

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'pareces' to ask for an opinion?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

parecer(to seem, to look) - verb

parecido(similar, resemblance) - adjective/noun

parecerse(to look like, to resemble) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use 'pareces' instead of 'parece'?

'Pareces' is used when you are directly talking to one person you know well (tú form), meaning 'You look/seem.' 'Parece' is used when talking about him/her/it, or when addressing someone formally (usted), meaning 'He/She/It looks/seems' or 'You (formal) look/seem.'

How do I say 'You resemble someone' using 'parecer'?

You need the reflexive form, 'parecerse a.' For example: 'Te pareces a tu madre' (You resemble your mother).