When learning a new language, knowing how to refer to body parts is essential. In this post, we will cover how to say 'eye' and other body parts in Spanish, including useful expressions and related verbs. Let's dive in! 🌊
The word 'ojo' means eye in Spanish. It is used to refer to the organ responsible for vision, much like the English word "eye." You’ll encounter this word frequently when talking about eyesight, emotions, or even in idiomatic expressions.
For English speakers, the pronunciation of 'ojo' might seem a bit tricky at first. It’s pronounced /ˈo-ho/, where:
'o' sounds like the 'o' in 'pot' or 'hot'.
'j' sounds like the 'h' in 'hello' (this is a typical Spanish pronunciation).
❗So, it’s 'oh-ho' —make sure the 'h' sound is soft and not harsh!
With that, you can start using the word confidently in conversations about the eyes and vision in Spanish! 👁️
The verb 'ver' is the translation for 'see' in Spanish. If you want to say something like 'I see', you would say 'Veo'. For example:
'Veo la película' (I see the movie)
'¿Puedes ver la luna?' (Can you see the moon?)
Here’s a handy list of some related words for eyes and vision:
Ojo = Eye
Ojos = Eyes
Vista = Sight/vision
Ver = To see
Mirar = To look
Contemplar = To contemplate
If you want to say that someone has beautiful eyes, you can say 'Tienes ojos bonitos' or 'Tus ojos son preciosos. Here are some other ways to express the same:
'Tienes unos ojos hermosos' (You have beautiful eyes)
'Tus ojos son tan bellos' (Your eyes are so beautiful)
The word 'oído' refers to 'ear' in Spanish, and can indicate both the organ itself and the sense of hearing.
Pronunciation: /oˈi.ðo/ → sounds like oh-EE-doh (soft 'd' as in 'this').
Examples:
🎵 'Tengo buen oído para la música' (I have a good ear for music)
✈️ 'Se me tapó el oído en el avión' (My ear got blocked on the plane)
You can also hear 'oído' in expressions like: '¡Oído cocina!' – used in kitchens, literally 'Ear kitchen!', meaning 'Understood!' ✅
Did you know that in Spanish, oreja and oído are not the same thing? Let's dive into this difference!
👂Oreja: This is the outer part of your ear—the part you can touch and see. We all have two ears on the sides of our heads, and they are orejas.
🦻Oído: This refers to the inner part of your ear that helps you hear sounds. It includes the ear canal, eardrum, and the tiny bones inside that allow us to hear.
So next time you talk about your ear, remember: oreja is the external, visible part, while oído is the inner mechanism that allows you to hear! 😄
The word 'nariz' is used for 'nose'.
Pronunciation: /naˈɾiθ/ in Spain → sounds like na-REETH (soft 'th' like in 'think') or /naˈɾis/ in Latin America → sounds like na-REES.
Examples:
'Su nariz es muy pequeña' (Her nose is very small)
'Tiene la nariz torcida' (He/She has a crooked nose)
Common phrases: 'Meter la nariz donde no te llaman' – 'To stick your nose where it doesn’t belong' 👃
The word 'boca' means 'mouth'.
Pronunciation: /ˈbo.ka/ → sounds like BOH-kah.
Examples:
😶 'Cierra la boca' (Shut your mouth)
😃'Boca grande' – (Big mouth)
Expressions:
🗣️'Boca a boca' – 'Mouth to mouth' (used literally for CPR or figuratively)
😳'Meter la pata hasta la boca' – 'To put your foot in your mouth'
In Spain, 'ojo' (eye) isn’t just used literally. We often use it in expressions and idioms that make language so much fun! Check out these common expressions with 'ojo':
'Echar un ojo' – To take a quick look. Example: 'Voy a echar un ojo a las noticias' (I’ll take a quick look at the news).
'Tener un ojo de halcón' – To have sharp eyes, or to be very observant (literally: to have a hawk's eye).
'Ojo por ojo' – An eye for an eye. (This expression refers to the principle of justice where the punishment is equivalent to the crime, often used in moral or legal contexts).
'A ojo de buen cubero' – To estimate something without exact measurement, approximately. Example: 'Lo hice a ojo de buen cubero' (I did it by eye).
These expressions make 'ojo' much more than just an organ for seeing—it’s a symbol of caution, awareness, and vigilance. 😎
When talking about eyes, "ver" (to see) is not the only verb you’ll encounter. There are several verbs that are used when talking about looking, observing, and gazing at something. Let's break them down:
'Ver' – to see. A broad verb used to indicate simply perceiving something visually. Example: 'Puedo ver la playa desde aquí' - (I can see the beach from here.)
'Mirar' – to look. A more intentional action, like when you focus your gaze. Example: 'Mira ese cuadro, es increíble' - (Look at that painting, it’s amazing)
'Observar' – to observe. This is a more detailed and careful way of looking at something. Example: 'El científico observa las estrellas todas las noches' - (The scientist observes the stars every night)
'Contemplar' – to gaze. Often used to describe admiring something, like nature, a piece of art, or a beautiful view. Example: 'Contemplamos el atardecer desde la cima de la montaña' - (We contemplated the sunset from the top of the mountain)
Knowing the body parts in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. You’ll be able to describe things, visit the doctor, or talk about your feelings and experiences. It's not only fun but useful for everyday conversations! 💪
Learning how to talk about eyes, mouths, noses, and other body parts in Spanish is not only fun but essential! Now you’re ready to describe the world around you in Spanish! 😄
🤔 What’s your favourite body part in Spanish? 👀 Have you learned any cool expressions with 'ojo'?
Let us know in the comments below! 👇