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"Look through" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "hojear", and "look at" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "mirar". Learn more about the difference between "look through" and "look at" below.
look through(
look
thru
)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.).
a. hojear
I was looking through some brochures for some vacation ideas.Hojeaba unos folletos en busca de ideas para una vacación.
2. (to check)
a. revisar
The speaker looked through his notes before he stood up to speak.El orador revisó sus notas antes de levantarse para hablar.
a. registrar
I quickly looked through the pile of letters while his back was turned.Registré rápidamente la pila de cartas mientras él estaba a espaldas.
4. (to examine)
a. examinar
It will take the committee a while to look through all the submissions it has received.El comité tardará un tiempo en examinar todas las propuestas que recibió.
a. mirar por
Look through the viewfinder and focus on the image.Mira por el visor y enfoca la imagen.
a. mirar sin ver
I asked Dave a question and he looked through me as if he were miles away.Le pregunté algo a Dave y me miró sin ver, como si pensara en otra cosa.
b. mirar como si no existiera
I said hello to Cathy, but she looked straight through me.Le saludé a Cathy, pero me miró como si no existiera.
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.