Inklingo

How to Say "to see" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ver

/behr//ˈbeɾ/

verbA1, A2, B1General
Use 'ver' when you are literally perceiving something with your eyes, visiting someone, or when you understand something.
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-SYAHR//apɾeˈsjaɾ/

verbB2Formal/Descriptive
Use 'apreciar' when you are observing or noticing a feature, a change, or a quality, often in a more formal or detailed way than simply 'ver'.
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.

Ver vs. Apreciar

Learners often confuse 'ver' and 'apreciar'. While 'ver' is for general perception (seeing a bird), 'apreciar' implies a more deliberate observation of details or qualities (appreciating the view). Stick to 'ver' for basic sight unless you are describing a more nuanced observation.

Related Translations

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