Meaning
To watch television programs.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'la tele' is the standard term. People often refer to 'la caja tonta' (the silly box) as a self-deprecating term for TV. In Mexico, 'ver la tele' is very common, but you will also hear 'ver la televisión' frequently in news and formal media. Argentines often use 'mirar la tele' just as much as 'ver la tele'. Both are perfectly interchangeable.
Use the Gerund
Combine with 'estar' to describe what you are doing right now: 'Estoy viendo la tele'.
Regional Variation
In Argentina, don't be surprised if you hear 'mirar la tele' more often than 'ver'.
Meaning
To watch television programs.
Use the Gerund
Combine with 'estar' to describe what you are doing right now: 'Estoy viendo la tele'.
Regional Variation
In Argentina, don't be surprised if you hear 'mirar la tele' more often than 'ver'.
Gender Matters
Always use 'la' with 'tele'. Never 'el tele'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Esta noche voy a ___ la tele.
'Ver' is the most standard verb for watching TV.
Which is correct?
Select the correct phrase.
'Tele' is feminine singular.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué haces? B: Estoy ___ la tele.
Use the gerund 'viendo' for current actions.
Match the verb to the object.
Ver + ?
Ver is used for visual media.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEsta noche voy a ___ la tele.
'Ver' is the most standard verb for watching TV.
Select the correct phrase.
'Tele' is feminine singular.
A: ¿Qué haces? B: Estoy ___ la tele.
Use the gerund 'viendo' for current actions.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Ver is used for visual media.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is informal. Use 'ver la televisión' for formal contexts.
Yes, it is common in many Latin American countries.
Because it is short for 'la televisión', which is feminine.
Exactly the same usage and register.
Yes, 'ver la tele' is often used for any screen-based content.
Las teles.
Related Phrases
Ver una serie
specialized formTo watch a series
Poner la tele
builds onTo turn on the TV
Estar pegado a la tele
similarTo be glued to the TV
