Inklingo

How to Say "looks" in Spanish

English → Spanish

está

VerbA1General
Use 'está' to describe a temporary appearance or state of being, often relating to how someone or something appears at a specific moment.

Examples

Hoy, el cielo está muy azul.

Today, the sky looks very blue.

luce

/loo-seh//ˈluse/

VerbA2General
Use 'luce' when talking about someone's stylish appearance, how they wear clothing, or the impressive way something presents itself.
A friendly character with a big smile wearing a new, brightly colored, stylish fedora hat, emphasizing their appearance.

Examples

Ella luce muy elegante con ese traje.

She looks very elegant in that suit.

Ella luce un vestido espectacular para la fiesta.

She looks spectacular in a dress for the party. (Literally: She wears/shows off a spectacular dress.)

Usted luce más joven con ese corte de pelo.

You look younger with that haircut.

¡Luce tu nueva bicicleta por el parque!

Show off your new bicycle around the park! (This is the 'tú' command form.)

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'yo' form (I) of the verb lucir is irregular in the present tense, changing from 'c' to 'zc': yo luzco. This change is necessary to keep the 'z' sound before the 'o'.

Using 'Luce' as a Command

The form 'luce' can also be a friendly command (tú imperative), meaning 'show off' or 'display': ¡Luce tu talento! (Show off your talent!)

Confusing with 'Ver'

Mistake: “Using *luce* to mean 'sees' or 'watches.'”

Correction: *Luce* is about appearance ('looks good'), not perception. Use *ve* (from *ver*) for seeing.

queda

KAY-day/ˈkeðe/

VerbB1General
Use 'queda' (from 'quedar') to describe how well clothing fits or suits someone, or if something looks good on them.
A pair of feet wearing shiny, perfectly fitted red boots standing on a clean wooden floor, showing a perfect fit.

Examples

Me gusta cómo te queda esa camisa.

I like how that shirt looks on you (fits you).

Dudo que esta chaqueta me quede bien.

I doubt this jacket fits me well.

Aunque la luz no le quede bien, él es feliz.

Even though the lighting doesn't look good on him, he is happy.

Sugiero que la hora de la cita quede para las tres.

I suggest that the time for the appointment be set for three o'clock.

Expressing Opinions and Doubt

When talking about how something looks or fits and you express doubt ('No creo que...' or 'Dudo que...'), use 'quede' instead of 'queda'.

Setting Agreements

When arranging a time or place, 'quede' is often used to establish the final decision: 'El precio quede en 50 euros' (The price is set at 50 euros).

Incorrect Use with Clothing

Mistake: “Quiero que queda perfecta. (Incorrect verb form)”

Correction: Quiero que quede perfecta. (After 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), Spanish requires the 'quede' form.)

aspectos

/ahs-PEHK-tohs//asˈpektos/

NounB1General
Use 'aspectos' as a noun to refer to specific visual characteristics, features, or facets of something.
A single person shown with different outfits and hairstyles to show different physical appearances.

Examples

Consideramos todos los aspectos visuales del diseño.

We considered all the visual aspects of the design.

Cuidar los aspectos físicos de la tienda es vital.

Taking care of the physical appearances of the shop is vital.

Verb vs. Noun for 'Looks'

Learners often confuse the verb 'está' or 'luce' (describing how someone appears) with the noun 'aspectos' (referring to features). Remember, 'está' and 'luce' describe the overall appearance, while 'aspectos' refers to specific parts or characteristics.

Related Translations

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