Spanish Phrase
Mira las luces del módem.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to look at the indicator lights on the modem. It is often used when troubleshooting an internet connection, as the pattern of lights can reveal whether the device is powered, connected, or experiencing an error.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings—talking to a roommate, a friend, or a family member—when you need them to check the modem’s status. In a more formal or professional context you would switch to the formal imperative: “Mire las luces del módem.”
✦Grammar Breakdown
Miralaslucesdelmódem
Imperative (tú) of mirar
Mira is the informal singular command form of the verb mirar (to look). It is used when speaking to a friend or someone you know well.
Definite article (las)
las is the feminine plural definite article, matching the noun luces.
Noun (luces)
luces is a feminine plural noun meaning “lights”. In this context it refers to the indicator LEDs on a device.
Contraction del = de + el
del combines the preposition de (of) with the masculine singular article el, forming “of the”.
Noun (módem)
módem is a masculine noun (el módem) borrowed from English; the accent on the ó marks the stressed syllable.
🗨In Conversation
Mira las luces del módem, ¿ves que están apagadas?
Look at the modem lights, do you see they’re off?
Sí, parece que hay un problema de conexión.
Yes, it looks like there’s a connection problem.
✕Common Mistakes
Mira la luz del módem.
luces is plural; the article must agree in number and gender.
Mira las luces de el módem.
The preposition de + article el contracts to del.
Mire las luces del módem.
Mire is the formal command; using it with a close friend sounds overly stiff.
↔Alternatives
Observa las luces del módem.
Observe the modem lights.
Fíjate en las luces del módem.
Pay attention to the modem lights.
Revisa las luces del módem.
Check the modem lights.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking households, the first step in fixing a slow or dead internet connection is to glance at the modem’s LED indicators. Using the informal imperative (mira) signals familiarity; if you’re speaking to a technician or a stranger, switch to the formal form (Mire) to show respect. Also note that in Latin America the “c” in luces is pronounced as an /s/ sound, while in Spain it is /θ/.