Spanish Phrase
Mira la lista en el mostrador.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct command telling someone to observe or check a list located on a counter. It's a common, straightforward instruction used in various settings like shops, offices, or homes. The verb "mirar" implies a visual action, focusing attention on something specific.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you want to direct someone's attention to a list that is physically placed on a counter. This could be in a store asking a customer to check available items, in an office asking a colleague to review a task list, or at home asking someone to look at a shopping list.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mirala listaenel mostrador
Mira (Mirar)
This is the informal (tú) imperative form of the verb 'mirar' (to look). It's used to give a direct command to a single person you address informally. For a formal command, you would use 'Mire'.
la lista
'Lista' is a feminine noun meaning 'list'. 'La' is the definite feminine singular article, meaning 'the'. Always match the article's gender and number to the noun.
en
This preposition means 'on' or 'in'. Here, it indicates the location of the list, specifically that it is resting on the surface of the counter.
el mostrador
'Mostrador' is a masculine noun meaning 'counter' (e.g., a shop counter, reception desk). 'El' is the definite masculine singular article, meaning 'the'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Dónde está la información que necesito?
Where is the information I need?
Mira la lista en el mostrador.
Look at the list on the counter.
✕Common Mistakes
Ve la lista en el mostrador.
While 'ver' means 'to see', 'mirar' is used for 'to look at' or 'to watch' when directing attention. 'Ver' is more about the act of seeing without necessarily focusing.
Mira la lista sobre el mostrador.
'En' is the most common and natural preposition for 'on' when referring to something being on a surface. 'Sobre' can also mean 'on' but often implies 'on top of' or 'above' and can sound less natural in this context.
Mira el lista en la mostrador.
'Lista' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'la'. 'Mostrador' is masculine, requiring 'el'.
↔Alternatives
Revisa la lista en el mostrador.
Check the list on the counter.
Fíjate en la lista del mostrador.
Pay attention to the list on the counter.
Echa un vistazo a la lista en el mostrador.
Take a look at the list on the counter.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, direct commands like "Mira" are common and not considered rude among equals or when giving instructions. However, for more formal situations or with strangers, using "Por favor, mire..." (Please look...) or "Podría mirar..." (Could you look...) would be more polite. The word "mostrador" can refer to a shop counter, a reception desk, or even a kitchen counter, depending on context.