The Spanish verb parecer is irregular in its yo form. This verb is very popular and can be used in different contexts. Understanding its nuances can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

The Spanish Verb Parecer

The Spanish verb parecer carries multiple meanings and is widely used in various contexts. Let’s explore the different uses and meanings of the Spanish verb parecer with example sentences.

Parecer (to look like)

In its most common usage, parecer means to look like.

Esas manchas en el mármol parecen una cara.

Those spots on the marble look like a face.

Cuando miras fijamente las nubes, parecen animales que se mueven.

When you stare at the clouds, they look like moving animals.

Parecer que (to seem)

You can also use the Spanish verb parecer followed by que when making a prediction or when expressing an impression.

Parece que el piso costará más barato de lo que pensábamos.

It seems the apartment will be cheaper than we thought.

Parece que los dos protagonistas se quieren mucho.

It seems the two protagonists love each other a lot.

Remember that if this expression is negative, you would use the subjunctive mood.

Parece que Sergio estudia mucho.

It seems that Sergio studies a lot.

No parece que Sergio estudie mucho.

It doesn’t seem that Sergio studies a lot.

Parecer que (to think)

The Spanish verb parecer with que is also used to state opinions. In this case, you should use the indirect object pronoun to indicate whose opinion is it.

Me parece que la obra de teatro empieza a las diez de la noche.

I think the play starts at 10 p.m.

A mi madre le parece que este abrigo es demasiado grande.

My mother thinks this coat is too big.

Remember that if this expression is negative, you would use the subjunctive mood.

Nos parece que tú eres un gran bailarín.

We think you’re a great dancer.

No nos parece que tú seas un gran bailarín.

We don’t think you’re a great dancer.

Parecerse a (to look like, to take after)

Parecerse a is a pronominal verb that means to look like or to take after. This verb means that two objects, two persons or two circumstances resemble each other.

Luis y Pedro se parecen mucho a su padre.

Luis and Pedro look a lot like their father.

Yo me parezco a mi hermana y tú te pareces a tu primo.

I take after my sister and you take after your cousin.

Parecer vs Parecerse

Sometimes it might be tricky to know if you should use parecer or parecerse, so here’s a guideline to help you decide.

1. If you’re just describing a person or object based on generic characteristics, not comparing it to something else in general, then use parecer:

El palacio parece de la época renacentista.

The palace looks like it’s from the Renaissance period.

El coche parece un deportivo de los 50.

The car looks like a sports car from the 50s.

2. But if you compare it to a specific object or person, then use parecerse a:

Este palacio se parece al que vimos en Málaga.

This palace looks like the one we saw in Málaga.

El coche se parece a un deportivo que tuvo mi abuelo.

The car looks like a sports car my grandfather had.

1. Likewise, when we judge something or someone by its attributes to guess if it’s some object or person, we use parecer. In this case, appearance or attributes are leading us to guess who or what something or someone is:

Parece una empanada de carne.

It seems to be a meat empanada.

Ese chico de allí parece Jorge.

That boy over there seems to be Jorge.

2. But when we know these two objects or persons are not the same and only look alike, then we use parecerse:

Se parece a una empanada de carne.

It looks like a meat empanada.

Ese chico de allí se parece a Jorge.

That boy over there looks like Jorge.

Exercises

Let’s practice the Spanish verb parecer with the following exercises. Feel like doing more exercises? You can also practice the verbs hacer, llevar, poner, soler, tratar, quedar or querer.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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