percibir
verbCEFR B2
What does “percibir” mean in English?
to perceive, to notice
to perceive, to notice (percibir algo — become aware of something through the senses or intellect; formal register)
Example sentences
Los investigadores percibieron un cambio sutil en el comportamiento de los participantes.
The researchers perceived a subtle change in the participants' behaviour.
Es difícil percibir la diferencia entre los dos materiales a simple vista.
It is hard to perceive the difference between the two materials with the naked eye.
How to use it
Percibir means 'to perceive' — to notice or become aware of something through the senses or intellect. Structure: percibir algo (perceive/notice something); percibir que + clause. More formal than notar (notice) or darse cuenta de (realise). At B2 it dominates academic and analytical registers where subtle changes are detected.
Common mistake
Percibir (perceive — formal, sensory or intellectual) vs. notar (notice — neutral) vs. darse cuenta de (realise — mental discovery). Don't overuse percibir in everyday speech; notar is the default there.