Eyes
Use for 'eyesight' or 'vision'. It refers to the ability to see, not the physical body part.
This means 'the gaze' or 'the look' in someone's eyes. It describes the expression, not the organ.
You have green eyes.
My eyes hurt because I read a lot.
The doctor checks my eyesight.
The dog has a sad look.
The word 'ojos' is the universal and standard term for 'eyes' across the entire Spanish-speaking world.
The word '¡Ojo!' (literally 'Eye!') is a very common exclamation used to mean 'Watch out!', 'Be careful!', or 'Pay attention!'. You'll hear this frequently in informal situations.
The word 'ojos' is the same. However, the pronunciation of the 'j' can be more guttural or 'raspy' than in most of Latin America, a sound known as the 'jota'.
Like in Mexico and Colombia, '¡Ojo!' is a common warning. You will also hear the idiom 'cuesta un ojo de la cara,' which means something is very expensive (it 'costs an eye from the face').
Using the wrong gender or number. — Incorrect: 'la ojos' or 'el ojo' (for two). Correct: 'el ojo' (the eye, singular) and 'los ojos' (the eyes, plural). 'Ojo' is a masculine noun.
Pronouncing the 'j' like in English. — Incorrect: Pronouncing 'ojos' like 'OH-joes'. The Spanish 'j' sounds like a strong English 'h' from the back of the throat. Correct: 'OH-hohs'.
Confusing 'ojo' with 'hoja'. — Be careful with these similar-sounding words. 'Ojo' (OH-hoh) is 'eye'. 'Hoja' (OH-hah) means 'leaf' or 'sheet of paper'. The 'h' in Spanish is always silent.
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