QUICK ANSWER
"Have a look" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "echar un vistazo", and "look at" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "mirar". Learn more about the difference between "have a look" and "look at" below.
have a look(
hahv
ey
look
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to see)
a. echar un vistazo
These insects look amazing under a microscope. Have a look.Estos insectos se ven increíbles bajo un microscopio. Échales un vistazo.
b. ir a mirar
I wonder who's at the door? - Why don't you have a look?¿Quién estará tocando la puerta? - Por qué no vas a mirar.
c. dar una mirada
Would you have a look at the kitchen sink? The water is not going down.¿Podrías darle una mirada al fregadero de la cocina? El agua está estancada.
d. ver
I'm not sure if I should change the introduction to my essay. - Let me have a look.No estoy seguro de si debería cambiar la introducción a mi ensayo. - Déjame verlo.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
2. (imperative)
a. echa un vistazo (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Have a look at my phone when you get a chance. It's not working.Échale un vistazo a mi teléfono cuando tengas un momento. No está funcionando.
b. ve a mirar (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Have a look outside the house. I thought I heard a noise.Ve a mirar afuera de la casa. Creo que escuché un ruido.
c. da una mirada (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Have a look at that picture I hung. Is it straight?Dale una mirada a ese cuadro que colgué. ¿Está derecho?
look at(
look
aht
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to observe)
a. considerar
We plan to look at three options before making a decision.Planeamos considerar tres opciones antes de tomar una decisión.
b. estudiar
You'll need to look at the problem from different points of view in order to come up with the best solution.Tendrás que estudiar el problema desde diferentes puntos de vista con el fin de llegar a la mejor solución.
c. enfocar
Did you do well in the contest? - That depends on how you look at it.¿Tuviste éxito en el concurso? - Eso depende de cómo lo enfocas.
d. mirar
You should look at the problem from her point of view.Deberías mirar el problema desde su perspectiva.
3. (to check)
a. calcular
How much does it cost to study here? - You're looking at close to $10,000 pesos per month on average.¿Cuánto cuesta estudiar aquí? - Calculo que será cerca de $10,000 pesos por mes en promedio.
