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"Mirando" is a form of "mirar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to look at". "Echar un vistazo" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have a look". Learn more about the difference between "mirando" and "echar un vistazo" below.
mirar(
mee
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to watch (implies greater attention or time)
¡Deja de mirarme todo el tiempo! No estoy haciendo nada malo.Stop watching me all the time! I'm not doing anything wrong.
b. to make sure
Mira que tengas todo el dinero en la cartera.Make sure you have all the money in your wallet.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
mirarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to look at each other
Los enamorados se miraron y declararon su amor.The lovers looked at each other and declared their love.
echar un vistazo(
eh
-
chahr
oon
bees
-
tah
-
soh
)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 peek)
a. to have a look
Aunque no vayamos a comprar nada, ¿por qué no entramos de todos modos en la tienda a echar un vistazo?Even if we're not buying anything, why don't we go into the store anyway to have a look?
b. to take a look
¿Apagaste el gas? - No estoy segura, echaré un vistazo por si acaso.Did you turn the gas off? - I'm not sure. I'll take a look just in case.
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.).
2. (to peek at)
a. to have a look at
Antes de darte mi opinión, me gustaría echarle un vistazo al contrato.Before telling you what I think, I'd like to have a look at the contract.
b. to take a look at
¿Por qué no echas un vistazo a la cartelera de cine, por si hay alguna película que quieras ver?Why don't you take a look at the cinema billboard, in case there's any movie you want to see?
c. to glance at
Eché un vistazo a la cubierta del libro que la chica estaba leyendo, para ver cuál era.I glanced at the cover of the book the girl was reading, to see which one it was.
