vea

/BEY-ah/

(that) I see

A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small, cheerful figure looking intently through binoculars toward a vibrant rainbow arching over a green hill.

The figure is actively observing the rainbow, illustrating the concept of "(that) I see."

vea(verb)

B1irregular er

(that) I see

present subjunctive, yo form

(that) you/he/she see

present subjunctive, usted/él/ella form

Also:

may see

expresses wishes or hopes

should look at

suggesting a course of action

📝 In Action

Dudo que él vea el problema de la misma manera.

I doubt that he sees the problem in the same way.

Espero que yo vea la luz al final del túnel pronto.

I hope that I see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.

Queremos que usted vea nuestra nueva colección.

We want you (formal) to see our new collection.

Word Connections

Synonyms

mire (look (command/subjunctive))
perciba ((that) perceive)

Common Collocations

Es necesario que vea... – It is necessary that he/she see...
Tal vez vea... – Perhaps I/he/she see...

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Vea' for Uncertainty

Use 'vea' after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire, especially when the main subject of the sentence is different from the person who is seeing. For example: 'No creo que ella lo vea' (I don't believe that she sees it).

The Irregularity of 'Ver'

The verb 'ver' (to see) has an irregular present tense (yo veo). The 'vea' form comes directly from this 'veo,' but unlike most -er verbs, it keeps the original 'e' before the ending.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up Moods

Mistake: "Quiero que él ve la película."

Correction: Quiero que él vea la película. (We use 'vea' because 'querer que' requires the special form for wishes/influence.)

⭐ Usage Tips

WISHES: ¡Que vea!

You can use 'Que vea' as a short wish: '¡Que vea bien la obra!' (May he/she see the play well!)

A high quality illustration showing an adult figure standing outside at night, pointing their finger decisively upward toward a single large, glowing star, commanding attention.

The pointing figure directs the viewer's attention to the star, representing the formal command "See!" (Vea).

vea(verb)

A1irregular er

See!

formal command (usted)

Look!

formal command (usted)

Also:

Watch!

giving a formal instruction

📝 In Action

Señor López, vea este documento antes de firmar.

Mr. Lopez, see/look at this document before signing.

No vea el televisor tan tarde.

Don't watch the television so late. (Formal command)

Vea la diferencia entre los dos productos.

Look at the difference between the two products.

Word Connections

Synonyms

observe (observe (formal command))
mire (look (formal command))

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Commands

'Vea' is the formal way (usted) to tell someone to 'see' or 'look.' It is used for politeness or when speaking to someone you don't know well. The opposite, 'no vea,' is the negative formal command.

Formal vs. Informal

Remember the informal (tú) command is 've,' but the formal command is 'vea.' Use 'vea' when addressing someone as 'usted'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong formality

Mistake: "Señora Pérez, ve esto por favor."

Correction: Señora Pérez, vea esto por favor. (Using 'vea' respects the formality implied by 'Señora'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Softening the Command

Adding 'por favor' (please) makes the command 'vea' softer and even more polite: 'Vea la pantalla, por favor.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vea

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'vea' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ver(to see) - verb

vista(sight, view) - noun

visión(vision) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'vea' used only in formal contexts?

No. While 'Vea' is the formal command ('usted'), it is also the *yo*, *él*, and *ella* form of the present subjunctive. So, it's used very commonly in general conversation whenever you express doubts, hopes, or requirements.

How is 'vea' different from 'mire'?

'Vea' comes from 'ver' (to see, meaning passive perception or sight), while 'mire' comes from 'mirar' (to look at, meaning intentional attention). However, in the command form, they are often used interchangeably to mean 'Look!'