Breakdown of Miro el mapa antes de girar a la derecha.
yo
I
a
to
antes de
before
girar
to turn
la derecha
the right
el mapa
the map
mirar
to look at
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Questions & Answers about Miro el mapa antes de girar a la derecha.
What does the verb form “miro” tell me?
It’s first-person singular, present indicative of mirar. In Spanish, the simple present can mean:
- a habit: “I (usually) look…”
- something happening now: “I’m looking…”
- sometimes a near-future plan if the context makes it clear.
Why not “estoy mirando el mapa”?
You can say Estoy mirando el mapa to stress “I’m in the middle of looking at it right now.” Spanish uses the progressive less often than English. Miro el mapa can also describe a current action without sounding odd.
Why use “mirar” and not “ver”?
Mirar = to look at (intentional action).
Ver = to see (perception).
Here you’re intentionally checking the map, so mirar fits. Alternatives: consultar el mapa (to check/consult the map).
Why “el mapa” and not “un mapa” (or no article)?
- El mapa = a specific/known map (the one in the car, on the phone, etc.).
- Un mapa = some map/any map.
Spanish generally requires an article with countable nouns; bare “miro mapa” is incorrect.
Is “mapa” masculine even though it ends in -a?
Yes. Mapa is masculine: el mapa / los mapas. It’s one of several Greek-origin -ma words that are masculine (e.g., el problema, el tema, el idioma, el sistema).
Why not “miro al mapa”?
Because mirar normally takes a direct object without a preposition for things: mirar algo. Use a mainly with people/animals (the “personal a”): Miro a mi hermana. So: Miro el mapa, not “miro al mapa.”
Is the “de” in “antes de girar” required?
Yes. With an infinitive, you must say antes de + infinitive. Omitting de (“antes girar”) is incorrect.
When do I use “antes de que” + subjunctive instead?
Use antes de que + subjunctive when the following verb is in a full (finite) clause, typically with a different subject:
- Miro el mapa antes de que tú gires a la derecha.
With the same subject, prefer antes de + infinitive: - Miro el mapa antes de girar…
Note: antes de que normally takes the subjunctive even in past contexts (e.g., miré… antes de que girara).
Do I need a comma?
- If the time phrase comes first: add a comma. Antes de girar a la derecha, miro el mapa.
- If it comes after: usually no comma. Miro el mapa antes de girar a la derecha.
Why “a la derecha”? Can I drop the article?
Keep the article: a la derecha is idiomatic. You can also say girar hacia la derecha (“toward the right”).
For “to the right of [something]”: a la derecha de + noun (e.g., a la derecha de la rotonda).
Why “derecha” and not “derecho”?
As a direction/noun, it’s la derecha (“the right side/direction”). Derecho is an adjective (“right/straight”) and also a noun (“law/rights”). For “go straight,” in Spain people say todo recto, not “derecho.”
Are there other common verbs for “turn right” in Spain?
Yes:
- girar a la derecha (very standard)
- torcer a la derecha (everyday speech; 1st person: tuerzo) Less common in Spain: doblar (more American), voltear (Mexico), virar (formal/nautical/traffic jargon).
Should it be reflexive: “me giro a la derecha”?
Not for driving directions. Me giro means “I turn myself (my body) around.” For a car turn, say girar a la derecha. You could also say giro el volante a la derecha (“I turn the steering wheel to the right”).
Any pronunciation tips?
- girar: the “g” before “i” sounds like a harsh “h” (like Spanish “j”): roughly “hee-RAHR” (with a tapped “r”).
- miro: “MEE-ro” (single, tapped r).
- derecha: “deh-REH-cha” (the “ch” like English “ch” in “church”).
Can I replace “el mapa” with a pronoun?
Yes: Lo miro antes de girar a la derecha.
Pronoun placement: before the conjugated verb (lo miro) or attached to an infinitive/gerund/affirmative command (e.g., Voy a mirarlo antes de girar).
Can I change the word order?
Yes. Antes de girar a la derecha, miro el mapa and Miro el mapa antes de girar a la derecha are both correct; the first puts more focus on the “before turning” part.
Can the present “miro” refer to the near future?
It can, if context makes it future-oriented (e.g., Luego miro el mapa y salimos). Otherwise, it’s read as habitual or present-time.
Is “antes de girando” ever correct?
No. Use antes de + infinitive: antes de girar. For “upon turning,” use al + infinitive: al girar (“upon turning”).
Should I say “girar para la derecha”?
No in Spain. Use a la derecha (or hacia la derecha). Para doesn’t express direction of a turn here.