How to Say "to resemble" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to resemble” is “parece” — use 'parece' when talking about a similarity in physical appearance or character between people or things.
Use 'parece' when talking about a similarity in physical appearance or character between people or things.
Learn more →Use 'imita' when one thing is made to look like or copy another, often in terms of material or texture, like an artificial product mimicking a natural one.
Learn more →pa-REH-sehpaˈɾe.se
Examples
Mi hermana se parece mucho a mi madre.
My sister looks a lot like my mother.
Ese edificio se parece a una nave espacial.
That building looks like a spaceship.
En el carácter, no nos parecemos en nada.
In terms of character, we are not at all alike.
The Magic Formula: 'parecerse a'
To say someone or something looks like another, you need two special words: 'se' before the verb, and 'a' after it. 'Ella SE parece A su tía.' (She looks like her aunt).
Forgetting 'se' or 'a'
Mistake: “Ella parece su tía.”
Correction: Ella SE parece A su tía. For resemblance, you need both 'se' and 'a'. Without them, it means 'She seems to be her aunt', which is very different and a bit strange!
imita
Examples
Este suelo de vinilo imita la madera perfectamente.
This vinyl floor resembles wood perfectly.
Parece vs. Imita
Learners often confuse 'parece' and 'imita'. Remember, 'parece' is for natural or inherent similarities (like family resemblances), while 'imita' implies an intentional copy or artificial likeness, especially with materials.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.