Inklingo

How to Say "to overlook" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuidar

des-kwee-DARdes.kwiˈðaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'descuidar' when you mean to fail to notice, to neglect, or to forget something important.
A wilted, droopy plant in a dry pot next to a full watering can that is being ignored.

Examples

No descides tus responsabilidades.

Don't overlook your responsibilities.

Si descuidas tus plantas, se van a morir.

If you neglect your plants, they are going to die.

No puedes descuidar tu salud por el trabajo.

You cannot neglect your health for work.

El gobierno descuidó la educación pública durante años.

The government overlooked public education for years.

It's the Opposite of Caring

Think of 'des-' as 'undoing' and 'cuidar' as 'to care.' So, 'descuidar' is simply 'to un-care' or fail to maintain the care something needs.

Direct Action

You can use this word directly with the thing or person being neglected: 'Descuidar el jardín' (Neglect the garden).

Using 'Olvidar' instead

Mistake: “Olvidé mi perro en casa.”

Correction: Descuidé a mi perro. Use 'olvidar' for forgetting a fact or an object; use 'descuidar' when you failed in your responsibility to look after something.

mirar

mee-RAHRmiˈɾaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'mirar' when a place or object has a view of something else, like a window facing the sea or a room with a view.
A colorful house with a large balcony that is directly facing a vast, blue ocean view.

Examples

El balcón mira a la calle principal.

The balcony overlooks the main street.

Nuestra habitación de hotel mira al mar.

Our hotel room faces the sea.

La fachada principal de la casa mira hacia el sur.

The main facade of the house faces south.

Used with Places, Not People

This meaning is almost always used for inanimate objects like windows, doors, balconies, and entire buildings. It describes the direction they are oriented.

dominar

doh-mee-NAHRdomiˈnar

verbC1general
Use 'dominar' when a place, typically from a high vantage point, has an extensive view over a landscape or area.
A view of a tiny village and a winding river as seen from the top of a high green mountain.

Examples

La colina domina el pueblo entero.

The hill overlooks the entire town.

El castillo domina todo el valle.

The castle overlooks the entire valley.

presidir

pre-see-DEERpɾesiˈðiɾ

verbC1formal
Use 'presidir' when a prominent object or structure is the main feature of a place and seems to preside over it.
A large, tall mountain towering over a small village in the valley.

Examples

Una gran fuente preside el centro del parque.

A large fountain overlooks the center of the park.

Una gran estatua de Colón preside la plaza.

A large statue of Columbus dominates the square.

El cuadro principal preside el salón de baile.

The main painting overlooks the ballroom.

Figurative Leading

In this context, the object (like a statue) isn't actually 'doing' anything; it just holds the most important position in the room.

Confusing 'mirar' and 'dominar'

Learners often confuse 'mirar' and 'dominar' because both can describe a view. Remember that 'mirar' is used when something *has* a view (like a window), while 'dominar' implies a commanding or extensive view *from* a higher position.

Related Translations

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