Inklingo

How to Say "to watch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ver

behrˈbeɾ

verbA1General
Use 'ver' when you are watching something for entertainment, like television shows, movies, or sports events.
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 are 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.

mirar

mee-RAHRmiˈɾaɾ

verbA1General
Use 'mirar' for general observation or when directing your attention to something specific for a period.
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'.

contemplar

kohn-tehm-PLAHRkontemˈplaɾ

verbA2General
Use 'contemplar' when you are observing a scene or situation thoughtfully, often with a sense of admiration or deep consideration.
A person standing on a hill, looking out at a beautiful vibrant sunset over the ocean.

Examples

Nos gusta contemplar el atardecer desde la playa.

We like to gaze at the sunset from the beach.

Él se quedó contemplando el cuadro durante mucho tiempo.

He stayed there looking at the painting for a long time.

Contempla el paisaje y relájate.

Look at the landscape and relax.

No 'at' needed

Unlike English, where you 'look AT' something, in Spanish you just 'contemplar' the object directly. You don't need a tiny joining word like 'a' unless you are looking at a specific person.

Adding extra words

Mistake: “Contemplo a el paisaje.”

Correction: Contemplo el paisaje. Because landscapes aren't people, we don't use the 'personal a' here.

vigilar

vee-hee-LAHRbi.xiˈlaɾ

verbB2General
Use 'vigilar' when you need to monitor or keep a close eye on something, such as your health, diet, or weight.
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'.

Ver vs. Mirar for Entertainment

The most common confusion is between 'ver' and 'mirar'. Remember that 'ver' is specifically for watching things like TV, movies, or games, while 'mirar' is a more general term for looking at or observing something.

Related Translations

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