Inklingo

How to Say "you see" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ves

/bess//bes/

VerbA1/A2Informal
Use 'ves' when you are talking to one person informally (tú) and asking if they can perceive something with their eyes or if they understand a situation.
A child pointing excitedly at a bright red car visible in the distance.

Examples

¿Ves ese pájaro en el árbol?

Do you see that bird in the tree?

¿Ves ese coche rojo?

Do you see that red car?

Si ves a María, dile que la estoy buscando.

If you see Maria, tell her I'm looking for her.

No veo bien sin mis gafas. ¿Tú ves algo?

I can't see well without my glasses. Do you see anything?

This is the 'tú' (you) form

'Ves' is how you say 'you see' when talking to one friend, family member, or someone your age. It comes from the verb 'ver' (to see).

Irregular in the Present Tense

The verb 'ver' is a bit irregular. Notice the 'yo' form is 'veo', not 'vo'. Once you learn 'veo', the rest of the present tense forms are more predictable.

'Ves' vs. 'Vez'

Mistake: “Te veo otra ves.”

Correction: Te veo otra vez. 'Ves' is for seeing. 'Vez' (with a 'z') means 'time' or 'occasion'. They sound the same, so be careful!

ve

/beh//be/

VerbA1Formal
Use 've' when you are speaking formally to one person (usted) and referring to their ability to perceive with their eyes or understand.
A stylized person standing on a hill, looking intently and calmly at a large, colorful, detailed landscape stretching out before them.

Examples

¿Ve usted la televisión desde allí?

Do you see the television from there?

Mi abuela no ve muy bien sin sus gafas.

My grandmother doesn't see very well without her glasses.

Él ve las noticias todas las noches.

He watches the news every night.

¿Usted ve alguna solución al problema?

Do you (formal) see any solution to the problem?

The 'He/She/You (Formal)' Form

This 've' comes from 'ver' (to see) and is used when talking about what 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (you, formal) sees or watches.

Confusing it with the Command 've'

Mistake: “Él ve a la tienda.”

Correction: Él va a la tienda. — If you mean 'he goes', you need 'va'. 'Él ve a la tienda' would mean 'He sees the store', which might not be what you intend.

ven

/ben//ben/

VerbA1Formal
Use 'ven' when you are addressing a group of people formally (ustedes) and referring to their ability to perceive with their eyes or understand.
Three individuals standing closely together on a hill, all looking up and gazing intently at a vibrant double rainbow in the sky.

Examples

¿Ustedes ven la señal de tráfico?

Do you (plural, formal) see the traffic sign?

Mis padres ven una película cada noche.

My parents see a movie every night.

Los turistas ven muchas cosas interesantes en la ciudad.

The tourists see many interesting things in the city.

Señores, ¿ustedes ven el problema con este plan?

Gentlemen, do you (all) see the problem with this plan?

Spotting the 'They' Form

This 'ven' is from the verb 'ver' (to see). The '-en' ending is a clue that the action is being done by 'they' (ellos/ellas) or a formal 'you all' (ustedes).

Confusing Who is Seeing

Mistake: “Using 'ven' for a single person: 'Él ven la casa.'”

Correction: For one person, use 've': 'Él ve la casa.' Remember, 'ven' is for groups.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common mistake is using the informal 'ves' when you should use the formal 've' (singular) or 'ven' (plural). Always consider your relationship with the person or people you are addressing before choosing the correct form.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.