Parecer vs. Aparecer: explaining the difference between two Spanish verbs that look similar but have different meanings—“parecer” means “to seem,” and “aparecer” means “to appear.”
Understanding the difference between parecer and aparecer is key to avoiding confusion. Both verbs relate to appearances, but parecer describes how something seems or looks, while aparecer means to physically appear or show up.
- Parecer = to seem, to look like, to give the impression
- Aparecer = to appear, to show up, to come into view
- Parecer is about perception; aparecer is about actual appearance
Origins and Meanings
Semantic roots of parecer and aparecer.
- Parecer comes from Latin parere, meaning "to appear" or "to show oneself."
- Aparecer is formed by adding the prefix a- to parecer, implying "to come into view."
- Parecer deals with how something is perceived; aparecer involves actual manifestation.
- Parecer*: describe impressions or opinions
- Aparecer*: indicate someone or something becoming visible or present
- The prefix a- in aparecer signals movement toward appearing
What is the main difference in meaning between 'parecer' and 'aparecer'?
'Parecer' means to seem or give an impression; 'aparecer' means to actually appear or show up.
'Parecer' is about perception or impression (seeming), while 'aparecer' refers to someone or something actually becoming visible or showing up.
Usage: Parecer
How to use parecer to express opinions, impressions, and suppositions.
- Use parecer when giving an opinion or describing how something seems.
- Commonly followed by adjectives, nouns, or que + clause.
- Can also be used impersonally: Parece que... ("It seems that...").
Examples:
- Parecer + adjectivo: Parece cansado. (He seems tired.)
- Parecer + sustantivo: Parece un profesor. (He looks like a teacher.)
- Parece que + oración: Parece que va a llover. (It seems like it’s going to rain.)
When should you use 'parecer' in Spanish?
When giving an opinion or describing how something seems or looks.
'Parecer' is used for expressing impressions, opinions, or suppositions—how something appears from a subjective point of view.
Usage: Aparecer
How to use aparecer to talk about someone or something showing up or becoming visible.
- Use aparecer when someone or something shows up, appears suddenly, or becomes visible.
- Can be used literally (someone enters a room) or figuratively (a solution appears).
- Often used with time expressions or locations.
Examples:
- Apareció de repente.* (He appeared suddenly.)
- Mi amigo apareció en la fiesta.* (My friend showed up at the party.)
- Aparecieron nuevas evidencias.* (New evidence appeared.)
Grammatical Structures
Common constructions and grammar tips for parecer and aparecer.
- Parecer is usually conjugated impersonally or with a subject that expresses perception.
- Aparecer behaves like a regular -er verb and can be reflexive (aparecerse) when referring to ghostly or surprising appearances.
| Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| parecer + adj. | Parece difícil. | It seems difficult. |
| parecer + sust. | Parece un milagro. | It seems like a miracle. |
| parecer + que + cláusula | Parece que viene tarde. | It seems that he’s late. |
| aparecer + (sujeto) | Aparece un mensaje. | A message appears. |
| aparecer + de + lugar | Apareció de la nada. | He appeared out of nowhere. |
| aparecer + tiempo | Apareció a las diez. | He appeared at ten. |
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when choosing between parecer and aparecer.
- Do not use aparecer when you mean “seem.” No aparece cansado is incorrect; say No parece cansado.
- Do not use parecer to indicate someone physically shows up. No parece en la reunión is incorrect; say No aparece en la reunión.
- Avoid overusing parecer with certainty. It implies uncertainty or opinion.
- Parece que tiene razón (It seems she’s right) vs. Aparece que tiene razón* (wrong)
- Apareció en la fiesta (He showed up) vs. Pareció en la fiesta* (wrong)
- Parece un problema fácil (seems easy) vs. Aparece un problema fácil* (something appears)
Conclusion
Parecer and Aparecer might look similar, but their meanings are different:
- Parecer = “to seem” (expressing impressions or opinions)
- Aparecer = “to appear” (someone or something shows up or becomes visible)
Choose parecer for talking about how things look or seem, and aparecer for when someone or something actually appears.
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
