pareció
/pah-reh-SEE-oh/
it seemed
The child is describing an impression, illustrating how the cloud 'seemed' (pareció) to them.
pareció(Verb)
it seemed
?when describing an impression or opinion
,he/she/you (formal) seemed
?when describing how a person appeared or felt
it appeared
?referring to an observation
📝 In Action
La película no le pareció muy interesante a mi hermano.
A2The movie didn't seem very interesting to my brother.
¿Qué te pareció la cena anoche? Estaba deliciosa.
A2What did you think of the dinner last night? It was delicious.
Cuando lo vi, me pareció que estaba enfermo.
B1When I saw him, it seemed to me that he was sick.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Pareció' for Past Impressions
Since 'pareció' is a single, completed action in the past, use it when describing a specific, immediate impression you had at one moment: 'Me pareció una broma' (It seemed like a joke to me).
The 'c' to 'zc' Change
The base verb 'parecer' is slightly irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present (parezco) and in the special forms used for wishes (subjunctive). But 'pareció' (simple past) is regular.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Simple Past (Preterite) and Imperfect
Mistake: "Using 'parecía' when you mean 'pareció.'"
Correction: Use 'pareció' (simple past) for a specific, quick moment of realization ('It seemed good when I first saw it'). Use 'parecía' (imperfect) for a continuous or habitual feeling ('It always seemed good').
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Opinions
To ask for an opinion in the past, use '¿Qué te pareció...?' (What did you think of...?). This is very natural and common.
The fox 'appeared' (pareció) suddenly in the clearing, illustrating a physical showing up.
pareció(Verb)
he/she/it appeared
?to show up or materialize physically
he/she/it turned up
?when someone arrived unexpectedly
📝 In Action
El mago hizo un gesto y el ramo de flores pareció de la nada.
B1The magician made a gesture and the bouquet of flowers appeared out of nowhere.
Después de horas de búsqueda, el documento perdido pareció en su escritorio.
B2After hours of searching, the lost document appeared on his desk.
💡 Grammar Points
Literal Appearance
In this context, 'pareció' usually describes something coming into view suddenly. It is similar to 'apareció' (appeared), but sometimes sounds slightly more formal or descriptive.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pareció
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pareció' to express a subjective opinion?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'parecer' sometimes translate as 'to seem' and sometimes as 'to look like'?
The core meaning is 'to appear.' When used alone (like 'pareció'), it means 'it seemed' (an impression). When used reflexively with 'se' ('se pareció a'), it means 'it made itself appear like,' which is how you say 'to look like' or 'to resemble.'
What is the difference between 'pareció' and 'parecía'?
'Pareció' (simple past) refers to a single, completed moment in the past ('At that moment, it seemed strange'). 'Parecía' (imperfect past) refers to something that seemed true continuously or habitually ('It always seemed strange').