ver
/behr/
to see
Just like in English, 'ver' is used for the basic act of seeing something with your eyes.
📝 In Action
¿Ves ese pájaro en el árbol?
A1Do you see that bird in the tree?
No veo nada sin mis gafas.
A1I can't see anything without my glasses.
Si abres los ojos, verás las montañas.
A2If you open your eyes, you will see the mountains.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'yo' Form: 'veo'
For most '-er' verbs, the 'I' form ends in '-o'. 'Ver' is a little special: it's 'veo'. Just remember 'I see' is 'veo', and you'll be set!
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Ver' vs. 'Mirar'
Mistake: "'Miro la película.' (I look at the movie.)"
Correction: Use 'ver' for watching shows or movies: 'Veo la película.' Use 'mirar' for the physical act of directing your eyes at something: '¡Mira esa foto!' (Look at that photo!).
⭐ Usage Tips
For Your Eyes Only
This is the most direct meaning of 'ver'. If your eyes can perceive it, you can use 'ver'. It's about the ability to take in visual information.
'Ver' is the most common verb for watching TV, movies, or sports events.
📝 In Action
Vamos a ver una película esta noche.
A1We're going to watch a movie tonight.
¿Viste el partido de fútbol ayer?
A2Did you watch the soccer game yesterday?
A mis hijos les encanta ver dibujos animados.
A2My kids love to watch cartoons.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To for Entertainment
When talking about watching any kind of show, movie, or public event for entertainment, 'ver' is almost always the right choice. It implies watching for a duration of time.
You can also use 'ver' when you're talking about visiting or meeting up with a person.
📝 In Action
Voy a ver a mis abuelos el fin de semana.
A2I'm going to see (visit) my grandparents this weekend.
Tengo que ver al doctor mañana.
A2I have to see the doctor tomorrow.
Nos vemos el lunes en la oficina.
A2See you Monday at the office. (Literally: We'll see each other...)
💡 Grammar Points
Always Use 'a' with People
When you 'see' a person in this sense (visit or meet them), you must put the little word 'a' right after 'ver'. For example, 'Veo a Juan' (I see Juan).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "Voy a ver mis abuelos."
Correction: Say 'Voy a ver a mis abuelos.' Because grandparents are people, they need the 'personal a' to show they are the ones receiving the action of the visit.
Sometimes, 'ver' isn't about seeing with your eyes, but 'seeing' with your mind—understanding something.
📝 In Action
Ah, ya veo lo que quieres decir.
B1Ah, now I see what you mean.
No veo por qué es un problema.
B1I don't see why it's a problem.
Hazlo como veas conveniente.
B2Do it as you see fit.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Seeing' with Your Brain
Think of this like the English phrase 'I see' when you finally get a joke or an explanation. It's about mental clarity, not eyesight.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ver
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'ver' to mean 'to visit'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'ver' and 'mirar'?
Think of it this way: 'ver' is about what your eyes perceive, often without trying. If your eyes are open, you 'see' (ves). 'Mirar' is the action of directing your eyes toward something on purpose, 'to look at' or 'to watch'. However, for watching TV or movies, Spanish speakers almost always use 'ver'.
Why is 'he saw' 'vio' and not 'vió' with an accent?
This is a great grammar question! In Spanish, one-syllable words generally don't have accent marks. Even though it might feel like it should, the past tense forms 'vi' and 'vio' are single syllables and follow this rule. The same goes for 'fui' (I went) and 'dio' (he gave).
How do I use the phrase 'a ver'?
'A ver' is a super useful phrase that means something like 'Let's see...' or 'So...'. You use it when you're waiting for something to happen, when you want to check something out, or to get someone's attention. For example: 'A ver, ¿qué tenemos aquí?' (Let's see, what do we have here?).