mirar

To try to see, to pay attention to with one’s eyes.

How to use

In formal or professional settings, 'mirar' is often used to convey a sense of scrutiny or attention, as in 'La juez miró atentamente los documentos' (The judge carefully looked at the documents). In informal contexts, 'mirar' can be used to describe a casual glance, such as 'Miré por la ventana y vi a mi amigo' (I looked out the window and saw my friend). A common learner mistake is to use 'mirar' in the present continuous tense to describe a habitual action, when in fact the present simple tense is more suitable, as in 'Miro la televisión todos los días' (I watch TV every day) instead of 'Estoy mirando la televisión todos los días'.