Ver vs. Mirar
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The definitions of these two verbs are clear in any dictionary: VER means “to see” while MIRAR is defined as “to look at” or “to watch”
That may lead some English speakers who are studying Spanish to say things like “Miro la tele” or “Me gusta mirar películas” in Spanish. This is incorrect. In Spanish, use VER when referring to the act of watching TV, movies or sports.
VER
A Juan le encanta ver los dibujos animados. Juan loves to watch cartoons.
Me gusta ver el tenís. I like to watch tennis.
Of course, VER is also used in the general sense of seeing:
¡Nos vemos pronto! See you soon! (Literally: We see each other soon.)
Anoche el niño vio una fantasma. Last night the boy saw a ghost.
MIRAR
…can also can be translated as “to watch” but more in the context of looking at someone or something with intention. Personally, I prefer the translation “to look at,” that way you avoid any confusion with VER.
Este café es un buen lugar para mirar a la gente. This café is a great place to people watch/to look at people.
¡Oye! ¿Qué miras? ¡¿Tengo monos en la cara?! Hey! What are you looking at?!
No, tranquila. Estoy mirando la araña que trepa por tu hombro. No, calm down. I’m looking at (I’m watching) the spider climbing your shoulder.
“Tener monos en la cara” is a very funny expression used in Spain. Literally, it means “Do I have monkeys on my face?” and it is a testy way of asking somebody what the heck they are looking at when they are staring at you.
Anyway, regarding MIRAR, it is a bit more literary than VER since it a verb that means to observe or to contemplate. For example, there is a difference in meaning between “ves las estrellas” and “miras las estrellas.” The first phrase (ves las estrellas) references the general act of seeing the stars. You have eyes so you can see the stars. The second phrase (miras las estrellas) suggests viewing with intention or focus or with great interest. You look at the stars….leading you to contemplate the vastness of the universe….
Visit the ReVerb Spanish page on Twitter for more phrases containing VER or MIRAR. Check the June 15 entries.
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5 Comments on this entry :-
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- Mar 5, 2010: Spanish Verbs | SELVA
At last I fully understand the difference between ver and mirar ! Two weeks before 3rd year uni exams and I still didn’t fully understand until now. Thank you so much!
Saludos desde Inglaterra :~)
Happy to hear that, Karen! You’re quite welcome. Good luck with your exams!
Saludos cordiales,
Eleena
Love the podcast! I will likely listen to all of these a dozen (or more times).
Btw, I am very new to Spanish, but I love to learn and look forward to speaking and writing more fluently.
¡Hola, Jason!
Gracias por tu comentario. Thanks for your comment! I’ve got several more of these verb pairs in mind but I just haven’t gotten around to doing more podcasts. I hope to produce some new episodes in the coming weeks.
Until then, keep tabs on the ReVerb Spanish Twitter feed, which I see that you are already following.
I generally post interesting Spanish verb and grammar stuff there a couple of times a week.
Mucha suerte y espero que sigas estudiando español. Best of luck and I hope you keep on studying Spanish.
¡Hasta luego!
Eleena