Inklingo

How to Say "to see" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ver

behrˈbeɾ

verbA1, A2, B1general
Use 'ver' when you are perceiving something with your eyes, visiting someone, or understanding a concept.
A person's eye looking at a bright yellow flower, representing the act of seeing.

Examples

¿Ves ese pájaro en el árbol?

Do you see that bird in the tree?

No veo nada sin mis gafas.

I can't see anything without my glasses.

Si abres los ojos, verás las montañas.

If you open your eyes, you will see the mountains.

Voy a ver a mis abuelos el fin de semana.

I'm going to see (visit) my grandparents this weekend.

The Special 'yo' Form: 'veo'

For most '-er' verbs, the 'I' form ends in '-o'. 'Ver' is a little special: it's 'veo'. Just remember 'I see' is 'veo', and you'll be set!

Always Use 'a' with People

When you 'see' a person in this sense (visit or meet them), you must put the little word 'a' right after 'ver'. For example, 'Veo a Juan' (I see Juan).

'Ver' vs. 'Mirar'

Mistake: “'Miro la película.' (I look at the movie.)”

Correction: Use 'ver' for watching shows or movies: 'Veo la película.' Use 'mirar' for the physical act of directing your eyes at something: '¡Mira esa foto!' (Look at that photo!).

Forgetting the 'a'

Mistake: “Voy a ver mis abuelos.”

Correction: Say 'Voy a ver a mis abuelos.' Because grandparents are people, they need the 'personal a' to show they are the ones receiving the action of the visit.

apreciar

ah-preh-SYAHRapɾeˈsjaɾ

verbB2formal, literary
Use 'apreciar' when you are observing or noticing a change, a feature, or a quality, often with a sense of admiration or careful attention.
A person looking through a magnifying glass at a tiny, colorful ladybug on a leaf.

Examples

A lo lejos se podía apreciar la silueta de las montañas.

In the distance, one could perceive the silhouette of the mountains.

Se aprecia un ligero cambio en los resultados.

A slight change can be seen in the results.

consultar

kon-sool-tahrkonsulˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'consultar' specifically when you are seeking advice or information from a professional, like a doctor or lawyer.
A person talking to a doctor in a white coat.

Examples

Debes consultar a un médico por ese dolor.

You should consult a doctor about that pain.

Tengo que consultarlo con mis padres primero.

I have to discuss it with my parents first.

Consultaremos con un abogado antes de firmar.

We will consult with a lawyer before signing.

Talking to People

When the action is directed at a person (like a doctor), you must use the word 'a' before the person: 'Consultar a un médico'.

Using 'Con' for Discussion

Use 'con' (with) when you are having a conversation with someone to get their opinion before deciding.

Missing the 'a'

Mistake: “Consultar el médico.”

Correction: Consultar a un médico. In Spanish, we use 'a' when the person is the direct target of the verb.

Confusing 'ver' with 'apreciar'

Learners often use 'ver' when 'apreciar' is more appropriate for noticing subtle details or observing a feature. Remember, 'apreciar' implies a more deliberate observation than simply 'seeing' with your eyes.

Related Translations

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