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"Mirar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to look at", and "vigilar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to watch". Learn more about the difference between "mirar" and "vigilar" 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.
vigilar(
bee
-
hee
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to monitor)
a. to watch
¿Puedes vigilar a los niños mientras me doy una ducha rápida?Can you watch the kids while I take a quick shower?
b. to guard
Hay soldados vigilando la entrada de la base naval.There are soldiers guarding the entrance of the naval station.
c. to supervise
El profesor de química vigiló a los alumnos durante el experimento para garantizar su seguridad.The chemistry teacher supervised the students during the experiment to ensure their safety.
d. to keep an eye on
Vigila el guiso mientras voy corriendo a la tienda para que no se queme.Keep an eye on the stew while I run to the store to ensure that it doesn't burn.
e. to patrol
Como resultado de la crisis de los refugiados, el presidente ha convocado al ejército para vigilar la frontera.As a result of the refugee crisis, the president has called in the army to patrol the border.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to keep watch
Vigila desde la ventana y avísame cuando venga mamá para hacer que estoy estudiando.Keep watch from the window, and warn me when Mom comes so that I can pretend I'm studying.
