Inklingo

How to Say "to watch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mirar

/mee-RAHR//miˈɾaɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'mirar' when you are looking at something or observing it with your eyes, often for a short period or as an action of directing your gaze.
A small child looking intently up at a bright red bird perched on a tree branch, illustrating the action of looking.

Examples

¡Mira! Hay un gato en el techo.

Look! There's a cat on the roof.

¿Por qué me miras así?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Me gusta sentarme en el parque y mirar a la gente pasar.

I like to sit in the park and watch people go by.

Using 'a' after 'mirar'

When you look at a person or a pet, you need to add the word 'a' right after 'mirar'. For example, 'Miro a mi amigo' (I'm looking at my friend). You don't need 'a' for regular objects: 'Miro la casa' (I'm looking at the house).

Confusing 'Mirar' and 'Ver'

Mistake: “"No te miro en la foto."”

Correction: "No te veo en la foto." (I don't see you in the photo.) 'Mirar' is the action of directing your eyes, while 'ver' is the result of perceiving something with your eyes. If you can't perceive someone, you use 'ver'.

ver

/behr//ˈbeɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'ver' when you are watching something like a movie, TV show, or sporting event, implying a more passive reception of content.
A family sitting on a couch, smiling and watching a television screen, illustrating the concept of watching a show.

Examples

Vamos a ver una película esta noche.

We're going to watch a movie tonight.

¿Viste el partido de fútbol ayer?

Did you watch the soccer game yesterday?

A mis hijos les encanta ver dibujos animados.

My kids love to watch cartoons.

vigilar

/vee-hee-LAHR//bi.xiˈlaɾ/

VerbB2General
Use 'vigilar' when you need to monitor or keep an eye on something, like your health, diet, or a specific situation, often for safety or health reasons.
A cheerful rabbit standing next to a wicker basket overflowing with colorful vegetables, carefully examining a large carrot, illustrating watching one's diet.

Examples

Debo vigilar mi consumo de azúcar si quiero estar sano.

I must watch (monitor) my sugar consumption if I want to be healthy.

El doctor nos pidió vigilar la temperatura del bebé.

The doctor asked us to watch (monitor) the baby's temperature.

Meaning Shift

In this context, 'vigilar' implies active management or effort, not just passive observation. It means 'to proactively manage by watching closely'.

Mirar vs. Ver for Entertainment

The most common mistake is using 'mirar' when you mean to watch a movie or TV show. Remember, 'ver' is for consuming media like films and series, while 'mirar' is simply the act of looking at something.

Related Translations

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