Inklingo

How to Say "they see" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ven

/ben//ben/

VerbA1General
Use 'ven' when referring to the simple act of seeing or observing something, like watching a movie or looking at a view, performed by a group.
Three individuals standing closely together on a hill, all looking up and gazing intently at a vibrant double rainbow in the sky.

Examples

Mis padres ven una película cada noche.

My parents see a movie every night.

Los turistas ven muchas cosas interesantes en la ciudad.

The tourists see many interesting things in the city.

Señores, ¿ustedes ven el problema con este plan?

Gentlemen, do you (all) see the problem with this plan?

Spotting the 'They' Form

This 'ven' is from the verb 'ver' (to see). The '-en' ending is a clue that the action is being done by 'they' (ellos/ellas) or a formal 'you all' (ustedes).

Confusing Who is Seeing

Mistake: “Using 'ven' for a single person: 'Él ven la casa.'”

Correction: For one person, use 've': 'Él ve la casa.' Remember, 'ven' is for groups.

reciben

/rreh-SEE-behn//reˈsiβen/

VerbA2General
Use 'reciben' when 'they see' implies welcoming or receiving people, such as guests, clients, or patients, into a place or situation.
A friendly person standing in an open doorway with arms spread wide in a welcoming gesture.

Examples

Mis tíos siempre reciben a sus invitados con una gran cena.

My aunt and uncle always welcome their guests with a big dinner.

Los médicos reciben a los pacientes por la mañana.

The doctors see the patients in the morning.

Using the 'Personal A'

When 'reciben' means welcoming a person, you must put the word 'a' before the person's name: 'Reciben a Juan'.

vean

/VEH-ahn//ˈbe.an/

VerbA2General
Use 'vean' (the subjunctive form of 'ver') when expressing hope, doubt, necessity, or a wish related to them seeing something.
A colorful illustration showing two stylized storybook characters standing side by side, both looking intently at a vibrant red flower in front of them.

Examples

Espero que ellos vean la diferencia entre los dos modelos.

I hope that they see the difference between the two models.

¡Vean este video antes de empezar la reunión!

Watch this video before starting the meeting!

Tal vez ustedes vean la solución más rápido que yo.

Maybe you all (formal) will see the solution faster than I do.

The Subjunctive Trigger

You use 'vean' (the special wish form) when the first part of the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or command directed toward 'them' or 'you all' (formal). For example: 'Dudo que vean el partido' (I doubt they see the game).

Formal Plural Command

'Vean' is the formal way to tell a group of people ('ustedes') to see or watch something. It's polite and usually used in professional or instructional settings: 'Vean la pantalla' (Look at the screen).

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Espero que ellos ven el error.”

Correction: Espero que ellos vean el error. (The verb after 'hope' needs the special form, 'vean', not the normal present tense 'ven'.)

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common mistake is using the indicative 'ven' when the subjunctive 'vean' is required. Remember, 'vean' is used for uncertainty, desire, or necessity, while 'ven' describes a simple, factual action of seeing.

Related Translations

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