Inklingo

How to Say "i look" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i look” is “miro” — use 'miro' when you are talking about the physical act of directing your eyes or gaze towards something, similar to 'I see' or 'I watch'..

English → Spanish

miro

MEE-roh/ˈmi.ɾo/

VerbA1General
Use 'miro' when you are talking about the physical act of directing your eyes or gaze towards something, similar to 'I see' or 'I watch'.
A storybook illustration showing a simplified figure intently gazing upward at a bright red balloon floating in the sky.

Examples

Miro las estrellas cada noche.

I look at the stars every night.

Miro la televisión todas las noches.

I watch television every night.

Miro el reloj para ver si llego tarde.

I look at the clock to see if I'm late.

Miro a mis hijos jugar en el parque.

I watch my children play in the park.

Using 'a' for People

When you look at a person or a pet, you must use the word 'a' right before them. For example: 'Miro a María' (I look at Maria).

Action vs. Perception

Remember 'mirar' is an active choice (I look/I watch). Use 'ver' (to see) when the action is passive, like when something simply enters your field of vision.

Missing the 'at'

Mistake: “Miro la persona.”

Correction: Miro a la persona. The 'a' is needed before a specific person or animal.

parezco

pah-REHSS-koh/paˈɾeθko/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'parezco' when you are describing how you appear to others, focusing on your outward look or resemblance.
A colorful illustration showing a small child standing in a sunny field, pointing excitedly at a large white cloud in the sky that is clearly shaped like a smiling rabbit.

Examples

Parezco cansado hoy.

I look tired today.

Parezco más joven con este corte de pelo.

I look younger with this haircut.

Si no hablo, parezco muy serio, pero no lo soy.

If I don't talk, I seem very serious, but I'm not.

Parezco a mi madre, pero tengo los ojos de mi padre.

I look like my mother, but I have my father's eyes.

The 'Yo' Irregularity

The verb 'parecer' is perfectly regular in most forms, but the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense is special. You must use 'zco' instead of a simple 'c' or 'z' before the final 'o': 'parezco'.

Using 'Parecer a'

To say you look like someone else, use 'parecer a' followed by the person: 'Parezco a mi hermano' (I look like my brother).

Forgetting the 'zc' change

Mistake: “Yo pareco cansado.”

Correction: Yo parezco cansado. (The 'c' needs to change to 'zc' before the 'o' to maintain the correct sound.)

Miro vs. Parezco

The most common mistake is using 'miro' when you mean to describe your appearance. Remember, 'miro' is about the action of seeing, while 'parezco' is about how you look.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.