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Buscar vs. Mirar vs. Ver: to look, to see

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The three verbs buscar, mirar, and ver all involve the eyes, but they are used in different ways: buscar means "to look for," mirar means "to look at," and ver means "to see."

Buscar

The verb buscar means "to look for" or "to search for" something. It implies that you are trying to find something or someone.
  • Search or look for something/someone
  • Involves an active effort or intention to find
  • Can be used with objects, people, or even abstract things like solutions
Example sentences:
  • Estoy buscando mis llaves. (I’m looking for my keys.)
  • ¿Buscas trabajo? (Are you looking for a job?)
  • Ella busca una respuesta. (She’s looking for an answer.)

Mirar

The verb mirar means "to look at" or "to watch." It implies directing your gaze at something intentionally.
  • To direct your eyes at something
  • Can mean "to watch" (e.g., mirar la televisión)
  • Involves more focus or attention than just seeing
Example sentences:
  • Mira el paisaje. (Look at the landscape.)
  • Estoy mirando una película. (I’m watching a movie.)
  • Mira mis zapatos nuevos. (Look at my new shoes.)

Ver

The verb ver means "to see." It refers to the ability to perceive something with your eyes, whether you try or not.
  • To see or perceive visually
  • Can happen passively, without intent
  • Also used in expressions like "let’s see" (a ver)
Example sentences:
  • ¿Ves esa estrella? (Do you see that star?)
  • No veo nada en la oscuridad. (I can’t see anything in the dark.)
  • Voy a ver qué pasa. (I’m going to see what happens.)

I can’t see anything in the dark. Choose the correct Spanish sentence with a blank for the verb.


No veo nada en la oscuridad.

Veo means 'I see,' and the sentence is about the inability to see, so ver is correct.

Summary

  • Buscar = to look for / to search (active, goal-oriented)
  • Mirar = to look at / to watch (intentional gaze)
  • Ver = to see (perceive visually, can be passive)
Use buscar when you’re trying to find something, mirar when you’re directing your eyes at something on purpose, and ver when you simply perceive something visually.

Which verb means to direct your eyes at something on purpose or to watch?


mirar

Mirar means 'to look at' or 'to watch,' implying intentional focus.

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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