Inklingo

How to Say "to seem" in Spanish

English → Spanish

parecer

/pah-reh-SEHR//paɾeˈseɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'parecer' for a general observation about how someone or something looks or appears, or for a general 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-TAHR//resu'ltar/

VerbB1General
Use 'resultar' when you want to express a personal finding or impression about a situation or task that you are experiencing.
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-NAR//soˈnaɾ/

VerbB1General
Use 'sonar' specifically when an idea or proposal sounds good or appealing.
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).

General Impression vs. Personal Finding

Learners often confuse 'parecer' and 'resultar'. Remember, 'parecer' is for outward appearances or general impressions, while 'resultar' is for a personal conclusion or difficulty you are experiencing with something.

Related Translations

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