parecían
/pah-reh-SEE-ahn/
they seemed
The bears seemed calm and harmless to the children.
parecían(Verb)
they seemed
?past impression/state
,they appeared
?past visual state
you (plural, formal) seemed
?formal address
📝 In Action
Las nubes parecían algodón de azúcar antes de la tormenta.
A2The clouds seemed like cotton candy before the storm.
Ellos parecían muy contentos con la noticia que les diste.
B1They seemed very happy with the news you gave them.
¿Ustedes parecían preocupados? ¿Pasó algo?
B1Did you (formal plural) seem worried? Did something happen?
💡 Grammar Points
Continuous Past State
This form ('parecían') is the way Spanish talks about how things looked or felt over a period of time in the past, or how they habitually appeared. It focuses on the description, not a single finished event.
Agreement with Subject
Since this is the 'they/you plural' form, the subject must be plural, whether it's people ('los invitados') or things ('las luces').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Usando 'parecieron' para describir un estado continuo."
Correction: Use 'parecían' (imperfect) to describe how something was or looked. Use 'parecieron' (preterite) only if you mean they suddenly began seeming that way at a specific moment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Opinion vs. Fact
'Parecer' is perfect for giving your opinion or impression. If you are certain of a fact, use 'ser' or 'estar' instead.
The puppies looked like small sheep because of their fluffy white coats.
📝 In Action
Sus voces parecían las de dos pájaros cantando en el bosque.
B1Their voices sounded like two birds singing in the forest.
Cuando éramos niños, nuestras bicicletas parecían vehículos espaciales.
B2When we were kids, our bikes looked like spacecraft.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for Resemblance
When you want to say that two things look alike, the reflexive form 'parecerse' is often used, followed by the word 'a': 'Ellos se parecían a sus padres.' (They looked like their parents.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: parecían
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'parecían' to describe an ongoing state in the past?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'parecer' and 'parecerse a'?
'Parecer' (like in 'parecían') means 'to seem' or 'to appear' (e.g., 'They seemed happy'). 'Parecerse a' (to look like/to resemble) is used when you are comparing two things or people (e.g., 'They looked like their grandparents').
Why does 'parecían' end in '-ían'?
The '-ían' ending tells you three key things: 1) The action/state was ongoing or habitual in the past (the Imperfect tense). 2) The verb is an -er or -ir verb. 3) The subject is plural (they, or formal you plural).