Meaning
To watch or check something briefly, to supervise.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is extremely common to ask a stranger in a public space (like a library) to 'echar un ojo' to your things. It's a sign of a high-trust society. In Mexico, you might also hear 'echarle un ojo' or simply 'checar' (from English 'to check'). Both are used frequently in casual settings. In Argentina, 'echar un vistazo' is very common, but 'echar un ojo' is perfectly understood. They might also say 'pegale una mirada'. The use of 'le' (leísmo) is standard with this phrase across most of Latin America to refer to the object being watched.
The 'Le' Rule
Always include 'le' when referring to an object. 'Échale un ojo' sounds 100% more native than 'Echa un ojo'.
Don't over-review
If you ask someone to 'echar un ojo' to a 50-page thesis, they will be annoyed. Use it for small tasks only!
Meaning
To watch or check something briefly, to supervise.
The 'Le' Rule
Always include 'le' when referring to an object. 'Échale un ojo' sounds 100% more native than 'Echa un ojo'.
Don't over-review
If you ask someone to 'echar un ojo' to a 50-page thesis, they will be annoyed. Use it for small tasks only!
Politeness
In Spain, adding 'porfa' (short for por favor) after the phrase makes it perfectly casual and friendly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to ask someone to watch your dog.
¿Puedes ______ un ______ a mi perro un momento?
The standard idiom is 'echar un ojo'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right option:
You need the indirect object pronoun 'le' and the preposition 'a'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want a friend to check your email for mistakes.
'Echar un ojo' is used for quick reviews.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Me haces un favor? B: Claro, dime. A: ¿Le ______ un ojo a la sopa?
The verb 'echar' is conjugated in the present tense for a casual request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Un Ojo vs. El Ojo
Practice Bank
4 exercises¿Puedes ______ un ______ a mi perro un momento?
The standard idiom is 'echar un ojo'.
Select the right option:
You need the indirect object pronoun 'le' and the preposition 'a'.
You want a friend to check your email for mistakes.
'Echar un ojo' is used for quick reviews.
A: ¿Me haces un favor? B: Claro, dime. A: ¿Le ______ un ojo a la sopa?
The verb 'echar' is conjugated in the present tense for a casual request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude at all. It's a very common and friendly way to ask for a small favor among friends, family, and colleagues.
Yes! You can 'echarle un ojo' to a baby, a child, or even a sick friend to make sure they are okay.
'Ojo' implies watching or supervising. 'Vistazo' implies a quick look or reading. They are often interchangeable, but 'ojo' is better for security.
You say 'Yo le echo un ojo' or 'Descuida, yo le echo un ojo'.
Rarely. In formal reports, use 'revisar' or 'supervisar'.
No, you always say 'un ojo', even if you are watching many things.
No, that's not a standard expression, though people might say it as a joke to mean 'extra careful'.
The preposition 'a'. Example: 'Echar un ojo A algo'.
Yes, it is very common throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Yes: 'Le eché un ojo a tu coche y parece que todo está bien'.
Related Phrases
Echar un vistazo
synonymTo take a quick look/glance.
Echar el ojo
similarTo have one's eye on something (to want it).
Vigilar
similarTo watch/guard.
Echar una ojeada
synonymTo glance over.
