visitar
/vee-see-TAR/
to visit
Use "visitar" to mean to visit a place, like a lighthouse.
visitar(verb)
to visit
?a person, a place, a tourist site
to go to see
?a friend or relative
,to call on
?an acquaintance
📝 In Action
Quiero visitar a mis abuelos este fin de semana.
A1I want to visit my grandparents this weekend.
Estamos visitando el Museo del Prado en Madrid.
A2We are visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid.
¿Has visitado alguna vez la Torre Eiffel?
A2Have you ever visited the Eiffel Tower?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Personal 'a'
When you visit a specific person or pet, you must use the word 'a' right before the person's name or title (e.g., 'Visito a María'). This 'a' shows that the person is receiving the action.
Visitar vs. Conocer
Use 'visitar' when you go somewhere for a short time. Use 'conocer' when you are talking about seeing a place for the very first time and experiencing it (e.g., 'Conocí París' means 'I experienced/got to know Paris').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'a' with People
Mistake: "Voy a visitar mis padres."
Correction: Voy a visitar *a* mis padres. (Always use 'a' when the action goes to a person.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Simple Structure
Unlike some verbs, 'visitar' is straightforward. You just say who or what you are visiting immediately after the verb, sometimes using the personal 'a'.
When referring to a site or building, "visitar" can mean to inspect.
visitar(verb)
to inspect
?a construction site, a factory
to check up on
?a patient, a house
,to examine
?a location for official purposes
📝 In Action
El doctor visita a sus pacientes dos veces al día.
B1The doctor checks up on his patients twice a day.
El inspector de sanidad visitó el restaurante sin avisar.
B2The health inspector inspected the restaurant without warning.
💡 Grammar Points
Focus on Purpose
When used formally, 'visitar' emphasizes the purpose of the trip—it’s not for fun, but for observation, assessment, or professional duty.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: visitar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'visitar' when talking about a person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a preposition like 'a' or 'en' after 'visitar'?
Usually no! 'Visitar' is a direct action verb. You just say 'visitar [the place]' (Visito México). The only exception is the personal 'a' when visiting a specific person (Visito *a* Ana).
Can I use 'visitarse' (the reflexive form)?
Yes, but it means 'to visit each other.' For example, 'Nos visitamos a menudo' means 'We visit each other often.'