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How to Say "to seem" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to seem” is “parecer” — use 'parecer' for general observations about how someone or something looks or appears, or to express a common, objective impression.

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parecer

pah-reh-SEHRpaɾeˈseɾ

VerbA1General
Use 'parecer' for general observations about how someone or something looks or appears, or to express a common, objective impression.
A person looking at a faint, slightly blurry silhouette of a large shape in the distance on a sunny hill, illustrating uncertainty about the appearance.

Examples

Pareces cansado hoy.

You look tired today.

El examen parece difícil.

The exam seems difficult.

Parece que va a llover.

It looks like it is going to rain.

The 'Z' Change

In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes to 'parezco'. This 'zc' sound also appears in all forms of the Present Subjunctive (parezca).

Looking like vs. Looking at

Don't confuse 'parecer' (to look a certain way) with 'mirar' (to look AT something). Use 'parecer' to describe appearances.

Using 'Como'

Mistake: “Pareces como cansado.”

Correction: Pareces cansado.

resultar

reh-sool-TAHRresu'ltar

verbB1General
Use 'resultar' when expressing a personal impression or finding something to be a certain way, often implying a conclusion or discovery.
A person looking at a small, colorful bird with a curious expression.

Examples

Me resulta muy difícil entender su acento.

I find it very difficult to understand his accent (It seems difficult to me).

Ese color no te resulta favorecedor.

That color doesn't seem flattering on you.

The 'Me Gusta' Pattern

When 'resultar' means 'to seem,' it uses small words like 'me,' 'te,' or 'le' to show WHO finds it that way. 'Me resulta fácil' = It is easy for me.

Don't forget the 'Me'

Mistake: “Resulta difícil para mí.”

Correction: Me resulta difícil.

sonar

so-NARsoˈnaɾ

verbB1General
Use 'sonar' specifically when an idea, suggestion, or proposal seems good or appealing upon hearing it.
An illustration showing sound waves emanating from a person's mouth, which visibly take the shape of a golden trumpet, illustrating resemblance.

Examples

Esa idea suena muy bien, deberíamos intentarlo.

That idea sounds really good; we should try it.

Tu voz suena un poco triste hoy, ¿estás bien?

Your voice sounds a little sad today, are you okay?

Ese nombre me suena, ¿lo conozco de algo?

That name rings a bell (is familiar to me), do I know him from something?

Connecting Impressions

To say something 'sounds like' something else, use 'sonar a' (sonar + a + noun): 'Suena a excusa' (It sounds like an excuse).

antojarse

an-toh-HAR-sehantoˈxaɾse

verbC1Informal
Use 'antojarse' to express a subjective, personal whim or a feeling that something is the case, often with a slightly whimsical or impulsive tone.
A small kitten looking at its reflection in a clear puddle, appearing like a brave lion.

Examples

Se me antoja que esta no es la mejor solución.

It seems to me that this is not the best solution.

Se me antoja difícil terminar el trabajo hoy.

It strikes me as difficult to finish the work today.

Subjective Seeming

In this formal context, the verb is followed by an adjective or a phrase starting with 'que' to show how something appears to you.

Choosing between 'Parecer' and 'Resultar'

Learners often confuse 'parecer' and 'resultar.' Remember, 'parecer' is for general appearances or common impressions, while 'resultar' implies a personal conclusion or discovery based on experience.

Related Translations

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