The Spanish Expression "A Ver"

In simple terms, the Spanish construction a ver is the result of putting together the preposition a and the infinitive form of the verb ver (to see/look). This combination is often used in conjunction with other verbs in sentences such as the following:

Vamos a ver algunas expresiones que requieren el uso del modo subjuntivo.

Let's look at some expressions that require the use of the subjunctive mood.

Captions 9-10, Ana Carolina El modo subjuntivo
Play Caption

¿Qué tal? -¡Hola! -¿Cómo estás? ¡Bien! ¡Qué gusto volverte a ver!

How's it going? -Hi! -How are you? Well! How nice to see you again!

Captions 32-33, Aprendiendo con Priscilla Pidiendo direcciones
Play Caption

¡Ah! Y también fui a ver a una curandera

Oh! And I also went to see a healer,

Caption 41, Aprendiendo con Silvia Vacaciones y urgencias - Part 2
Play Caption

However, as a fixed expression, a ver can be used in many different ways. This lesson will explore several.

banner3 PLACEHOLDER

To Ask Someone to Show Us Something

When you ask someone to show you something, you can use the expression a ver. Let's see that use in action:

¿Cómo, cómo se saludarían, a ver? ¡Qué pedo, cabrón!

How, how would you greet each other, let's see? What the hell's up, man?

Captions 28-29, Amigos D.F. Te presento...
Play Caption

To Wonder or Inquire

When used in this manner, the expression a ver is often followed by question words such as qué (what), cómo (how), or cuándo (when). Let's take a look at some clips with this usage:

pero bueno, a ver qué opinas de sus condiciones generales.

but well, let's see what you think about his general condition.

Caption 20, La veterinaria "Huesos" visita a la doctora - Part 1
Play Caption

Esperemos hasta mañana a ver qué pasa.

Let's wait until tomorrow to see what happens.

Caption 46, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 4 - Part 7
Play Caption

To Get Someone's Attention

You might use the expression a ver to get someone's attention right before a question, command, or request.

A ver, eh... Rachel... ¿te animas?

Let's see, um... Rachel... do you want to try?

Caption 22, Clase Aula Azul Información con subjuntivo e indicativo - Part 4
Play Caption

Before the Conjunction Si to Express a Challenge or Desire

Let's see some examples of this common usage:

A ver si adivináis cuál vamos a tratar hoy.

Let's see if you can guess which one we are going to deal with today.

Caption 4, Aprendiendo con Silvia Las emociones - Part 10
Play Caption

a ver si ella se anima y va con nosotras.

let's see if she gets inspired and goes with us.

Caption 49, Cleer y Lida Conversación telefónica - Part 1
Play Caption

Cuando estamos planeando o queremos ver a alguien, decimos, "A ver si nos vemos pronto".

When we're planning or want to see someone, we say, "Let's see if we see each other soon."

Captions 28-29, Lecciones con Carolina Haber vs. A Ver / Si vs. Sí
Play Caption

To Clarify Something

Although the standard translation for a ver is "let's see," sometimes the Spanish expression a ver helps us to clarify or express the real meaning of something. You might think of it as similar to such English phrases as "the thing is" or "honestly." Let's see how Amaya uses this expression to clarify what she is saying:

Bueno, os acordáis que en uno de mis vídeos os explicaba que tenía en marcha un proyecto muy bonito: un refugio de animales. A ver, en realidad es un refugio de burros.

Well, you remember that, in one of my videos, I was explaining to you that I had a very nice project underway: an animal shelter. Let's see, it's actually a donkey shelter.

Captions 2-5, Amaya Apertura del refugio
Play Caption

That's all for this lesson. We hope you have learned something new today, and don't forget to send us your suggestions and comments.