contemplas

Contemplas is a verb form in Spanish: the second person singular present indicative of contemplar. It is used when addressing someone directly who is performing the action of looking at something with attention, or of considering or reflecting on it. The form highlights an ongoing present action addressed to “you.”

Etymology and morphology: Contemplar originates from Latin contemplāre. In modern Spanish, contemplar is a regular -ar verb, and its present tense ending for tú is -as, yielding contemplas for the second person singular. The corresponding forms for the full present tense are: yo contemplo, tú contemplas, él/ella contempla, nosotros contemplamos, vosotros contempláis, ellos contemplan.

Usage and nuances: Contemplar emphasizes attention, appreciation, or contemplation beyond mere sight. It can describe looking at a scene, a work of art, or a future possibility, often with a sense of reflection or reverence. It is transitive, typically followed by a direct object: contemplas el paisaje, contemplas una obra, contemplas tu futuro. In literary or formal contexts, contemplar may carry a more meditative or exalted tone than mirar or observar.

Regional variation and related terms: The verb is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions. Related forms include contemplar (infinitive), contemplación (contemplation), and contemplativo (contemplative). Contemplas appears primarily in direct address to a singular interlocutor and is one component of a broader set of conjugations used to discuss perception and consideration.