Inklingo

How to Say "see!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mirad

/mee-RAHD//miˈrað/

verbA2informal
Use 'mirad' when you are speaking informally to more than one person, commanding them to look or pay attention.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing three children outdoors. One child is pointing excitedly at a large blue butterfly resting on a yellow flower, while the other two children are turning their heads to look intently at the butterfly.

Examples

¡Mirad, chicos, qué regalo tan chulo me han hecho!

Look, guys, what a cool gift they gave me!

Mirad la pantalla y seguid las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

Look at the screen and follow the instructions exactly.

Si tenéis alguna duda, mirad el mapa que os di.

If you have any doubt, look at the map I gave you.

The Vosotros Command Form

'Mirad' is the affirmative command form for 'vosotros' (informal plural 'you all'), used mainly in Spain. For regular -ar verbs, you simply replace the final 'r' of the infinitive (mirar) with a 'd'.

Using 'mirad' outside of Spain

Mistake: “Using 'mirad' in Mexico or Argentina.”

Correction: In almost all of Latin America, the correct command for a group is '¡Miren!' (the 'ustedes' form). 'Mirad' sounds very Spanish (from Spain).

vea

/BEY-ah//ˈbe.a/

verbA1formal
Use 'vea' as a formal command to a single person (usted), instructing them to look at or consider something.
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.

Examples

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.

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'.

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'.)

Informal vs. Formal Address

The most common mistake is using the informal plural 'mirad' when you should use the formal singular 'vea', or vice versa. Remember: 'mirad' is for groups you know well, while 'vea' is for one person you address formally.

Related Translations

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