Inklingo

How to Say "to resemble" in Spanish

English → Spanish

parece

pa-REH-sehpaˈɾe.se

verbB1general
Use 'parece' when talking about a similarity in physical appearance or character between people or things.
A smiling child with red hair standing next to a smiling adult with the same red hair, showing a clear family resemblance.

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

verbB2general
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.

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

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