vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Vigilar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to watch", and "ver" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to see". Learn more about the difference between "vigilar" and "ver" below.
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.
ver(
behr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to observe)
a. to watch
Se sentaron en el sofá a ver su programa de televisión favorito.They sat on the sofa to watch their favorite television program.
b. to look at
Me gusta ir a ver los cuadros en el museo.I like to go look at paintings in the museum.
c. to see
He leído el libro, pero no he visto la película. ¿Es buena?I've read the book but haven't seen the movie. Is it any good?
3. (to notice)
a. to see
¿Tú ves la diferencia entre esta camisa y la azul?Do you see the difference between this shirt and the blue one?
4. (to verify)
a. to see
Este campo vio la muerte de muchos durante la guerra.This field saw the death of many during the war.
b. to witness
Esta ciudad ha visto tiempos buenos y malos.This city has witnessed good times and bad.
c. to live through
Mi abuelo ha visto cuatro guerras y sigue siendo optimista.My grandfather has lived through four wars, and he's still an optimist.
8. (to picture)
b. to imagine
Todavía los puedo ver como si fuera ayer.I can still imagine you guys like it was yesterday.
9. (to meet)
10. (legal)
11. (to study)
a. to look at
El semestre que viene veremos el impacto de las empresas sobre el medioambiente.Next semester we will look at the impact of companies on the environment.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
13. (to observe)
a. to watch
Mamá, ¡ve! Puedo manejar el carro yo solito.Mom, watch! I can drive the car all by myself.
14. (to verify)
15. (to consider)
16. (to comprehend)
a. to see
¿Ya ves? - No, no veo. Explícame de nuevo la situación.You see? - No, I don't see. Explain the situation to me again.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
18. (appearance)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Ese actor no es de mal ver, pero a mí no me gusta.That actor isn't bad-looking, but I don't find him attractive.
¿Cómo es tu prima? - Es inteligente, trabajadora, y además tiene buen ver.What's your cousin like? - She's smart, hardworking, and she's also good-looking.
verse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to see oneself
Me quiero ver en el espejo a ver cómo me queda el corte de pelo.I want to see myself in the mirror to see how my haircut looks.
a. to see oneself
No me veo trabajando aquí de por vida.I don't see myself working here for the rest of my life.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
