contemplarse

Contemplarse is a Spanish pronominal verb, the reflexive form of contemplar. The verb derives from Latin contemplari, meaning to observe attentively or to consider with care. In ordinary use, contemplarse primarily denotes looking at or admiring oneself, often in a mirror, but it can also carry a more figurative sense of inward reflection or self-scrutiny.

Primary meaning: self-observation or self-admiration. Examples include “Se contempló en el espejo” (she looked at herself in the mirror) and “Se contemplaba a sí misma con satisfacción” (she viewed herself with satisfaction). The reflexive form emphasizes the subject’s direct relation to the act of looking or judging.

Secondary meanings: contemplar as an action directed at something other than the self can also be framed in reflexive form to express introspection or, in some contexts, a passive or impersonal sense. For instance, “Se contempló la posibilidad de viajar” can mean that the possibility was contemplated, or more poetically, that someone reflected on it. In general usage, many speakers prefer the non-reflexive contemplar when the object is external.

Conjugation: contemplarse follows regular -ar verb endings with the corresponding reflexive pronouns. Present indicative: me contemplo, te contemplas, se contempla, nos contemplamos, os contempláis, se contemplan. Other tenses align with contemplar, adjusted for reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os).

Related terms: contemplación (contemplation), contemplativo (adj./noun), contemplador (one who contemplates).

Notes: Contemplarse tends to be more common in literary or introspective contexts and is often used to highlight self-regard or inward reflection. In everyday speech, many speakers use contemplar with a direct object or employ other expressions to convey reflection.