vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Contempla" is a form of "contemplar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to gaze at". "Observa" is a form of "observar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to watch". Learn more about the difference between "contempla" and "observa" below.
contemplar(
kohn
-
tehm
-
plahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to observe)
a. to gaze at
Fuimos al monte para contemplar las estrellas.We went to the mountains to gaze at the stars.
b. to contemplate
Se pasaba horas contemplando la vista.She would spend hours contemplating the view.
c. to study
Marta contempló la cara de su amiga e intentó interpretar su expresión.Marta studied her friend's face and tried to interpret her expression.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Desde la casa de Eduardo se contempla un paisaje precioso.There is a wonderful view from Eduardo's house.
Desde lo alto del rascacielos se contempla toda la ciudad.You can see the whole city from the top of the skyscraper.
2. (to examine)
a. to consider
La empresa contempló la posibilidad de salir a bolsa.The company considered the possibility of going public.
b. to contemplate
A veces, es necesario contemplar las cosas importantes de la vida.Sometimes, we need to contemplate the important things in life.
c. to look at
Debemos contemplar su obra desde su contexto histórico.We must look at his work in its historical context.
a. to make provision for
Esta nueva ley contempla el traslado de más poderes a cuerpos supranacionales.This new law makes provision for the transfer of more powers to supranational bodies.
b. to provide for
El proyecto de ley contempla la creación de un servicio nacional de salud.The bill provides for the creation of a national health service.
c. to envisage
El plan contempla reducir los gastos en un 25%.The plan envisages cutting spending by 25%.
a. to indulge
No deberías contemplarlo tanto cuando se porta mal.You shouldn't indulge him so much when he misbehaves.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (religion)
a. to meditate
Es un ermitaño que se pasa el día contemplando.He's a hermit who spends his days meditating.
observar(
ohb
-
sehr
-
bahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to look at)
b. to observe
Observó el eclipse solar con equipo especial.He observed the solar eclipse with special equipment.
a. to see
Como puedes observar, hemos avanzado bien con el proyecto.As you can see, we have made good progress with the project.
b. to notice
El enfermero mencionó haber observado un movimiento extraño en los ojos del paciente.The nurse mentioned having noticed a strange movement of the patient's eyes.
c. to note
La gerente observó un patrón de conducta inapropiada en el departamento.The manager noted a pattern of inappropriate behavior in the department.
d. to observe
El médico observó una mejoría del paciente.The doctor observed an improvement in the patient.
3. (to comment)
a. to point out
Su abuela observó que no había espacio en la casa para cuidar un perro.Her grandmother pointed out that there wasn't enough room in the house for taking care of a dog.
b. to remark
Lucinda observó que el tráfico parecía cada vez peor.Lucinda remarked that the traffic seemed to be getting worse by the day.
c. to observe
"¡Qué elegante restaurante!", observó Marco."What an elegant restaurant!," observed Marco.
4. (to respect)
a. to observe
Para vivir en armonía con los demás, hay que observar las leyes.In order to live in harmony with others, the law must be observed.
b. to abide by
El maestro recordó a los alumnos la importancia de observar las normas.The teacher reminded the students of the importance of abiding by the rules.
c. to follow
Mi suegra todavía observa la tradición de servir a su esposo antes de sentarse a comer.My mother-in-law still follows the tradition of serving her husband before sitting down to eat.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me extrañó el comentario de Gloria, porque hasta ahora había observado una conducta respetuosa.I was surprised by Gloria's comment because up until now she had behaved respectfully.
En Ramadán, los musulmanes deben observar el ayuno durante el día.In Ramadan, muslims must fast during the day while it is light.
