Mirada vs. vistazo vs. ojeada
While 'mirada', 'vistazo', and 'ojeada' all refer to the act of looking or glancing in Spanish, they imply different durations and intentions behind the action.
Mirada
'Mirada' refers to a longer, more intent look, as if studying or appreciating something.
Sus ojos tenían una mirada profunda.
(His eyes had a deep look.)
Me desconcertó su mirada intensa.
(His intense gaze puzzled me.)
La mirada de la madre expresaba preocupación.
(The mother's look expressed concern.)
Vistazo
'Vistazo' refers to a brief, quick look or a glimpse. It signifies checking something quickly.
Echó un vistazo al reloj y salió corriendo.
(He took a quick glance at the clock and started running.)
Puedes darle un vistazo a este informe?
(Can you take a quick look at this report?)
Tomé un vistazo a las fotos de sus vacaciones.
(I took a glimpse at his vacation photos.)
Ojeada
'Ojeada' is similar to 'vistazo' but it specifically implies scanning or skimming through something, like pages of a book or items on a list.
Le di una rápida ojeada al periódico antes de irme.
(I gave the newspaper a quick skim before leaving.)
Dame la revista para echarle una ojeada.
('Give me the magazine to give it a flip through.)
Eché una ojeada al menú mientras esperaba mi orden.
(I skimmed the menu while waiting for my order.)
Summary
Whilst all three words share the common theme of looking or glancing, 'mirada' expresses an intense or prolonged look whereas both 'vistazo' and 'ojeada' suggest brief, quick looks. However, vistazo is used when getting a brief impression about something whereas ojeada is more contextually used in terms of briefly perusing through written documents or texts.