When speaking Spanish, there are many ways to express that something seems to another. Actually, there are lots of ways to make comparisons that, in a few words, it is what we do when we say that two things are similar. For example, the phrases parece que and se ve que can help you achieve the goal. When using those expressions there are a few rules you have to follow.
Parece que y se ve que are among the most common phrases native speakers use to make comparisons. And, if you want to become better at speaking Spanish, they have to be in your vocabulary. So, keep reading and learn how to use them while reading this brief explanation.
Why making comparisons is important?
To make it simple when comparing two things we can achieve several things. First, we can exaggerate something and make our stories more interesting. But, more important than that, it’s that you can provide your audience with a reference. Sometimes, comparisons have a quite real perspective. But, when the reference is unreal or imaginary, it only helps you to catch everybody’s attention. Let’s see a few examples.
Tu casa es tan grande como un continente.
Your house is as big as a continent.
El supermercado más cerca queda como ir de aquí a la luna
The nearest supermarket is like going from here to the moon
Eres tan bonita como una esmeralda.
You are as pretty as an emerald.
Please note that, in these examples, even though we are not using parece que or se ve que we are still making comparisons. In fact, if you have a while learning Spanish, using como was the first way you learn to make comparisons.
How to use parece que
Parece que is an expression we use during informal conversations. It’s literally the exact translation of “It seems that”. As said, we can use it when we can to express that two things are similar or when we want to make comparisons. In some situations, many Spanish speakers use it in a sarcastic way. After all, it will all depend on the reference you want to use.
In other situations, you can use this expression when you have a hunch. Let’s have a look at the examples below.
Parece que Rafael y Sofía son novios.
It seems that Rafael and Sofia are dating.
Parecía que me querías pero no era tan cierto.
It seemed that you loved me but it wasn’t so true.
Parece que tu casa y la mia son iguales. Ambas, tienen un patio muy grande.
As you may see in the second example, you can use parece que to express conditions. After que, you can use either a noun or a verb. But, you must conjugate the verb in the right way or use an article before the noun if necessary. Let’s see some other examples.
Parece que vas caminando muy lento.
You seem to be walking very slowly.
Parecía que tenías mucho tiempo esperando.
It seemed like you had a long time waiting.
How to use se ve que
Se ve que is also an expression equivalent to the English “It seems that”. However, you can use se ve que when you are in formal conversations. It’s highly recommended since it makes you sound more prudent. It’s because making comparisons between people might be disrespectful. And, se ve que sometimes makes sound your speech like a constructive opinion.
In general, you can use se ve que in similar way to parece que. The only difference is the context. With se ve que you can express your opinion in the present, past, or future tense. Here are some other examples.
Se ve que estabas comiendo mucho
It looks like you were eating a lot
Se ve que estarás muy ocupado la semana que viene
It looks like you will be very busy next week.
Se ve que comeremos pizza de nuevo en casa.
It looks like we will eat pizza again at home.
In summary, the difference between se ve que and parece que is the context or the type of conversation you can use it. Parece que makes obvious that you are comparing something. But, se ve que, sometimes, make your speech sound like a recommendation or a constructive opinion. For that reason, it’s the best one for formula situations. Keep in mind that these expressions are pretty easy to use and you can either use reflexive pronouns or conjugate verbs in the future, past, or present time.