When you start learning Slovenian, you'll encounter verbs like 'videti' (to see). Mastering verbs is key because they change depending on who is doing the action. For 'videti', you'll learn its present tense conjugations, like 'vidim' (I see) or 'vidiš' (you see).
You'll also learn how to use 'videti' with different objects. For example, 'Vidim psa' means 'I see a dog.' Pay attention to the endings, as they help you understand who is doing what in a sentence. Practice using these forms in simple sentences to build your confidence.
When discussing the verb “videti” at a C2 level, it’s important to understand its multifaceted usage beyond just the literal act of seeing. At this advanced stage, “videti” often implies understanding, perceiving, or realizing something, rather than simply optical reception. For instance, “Vidim, kaj misliš” translates to “I see/understand what you mean.”
Furthermore, “videti” can be used reflexively as “videti se,” meaning to meet or to be seen in a certain way, as in “Videla sva se včeraj” (We saw each other yesterday) or “On se vidi kot vodja” (He sees himself as a leader). It can also be part of idiomatic expressions, where its meaning deviates further from the basic definition, requiring a deep cultural and linguistic understanding to interpret correctly. Mastering these nuances is key to achieving true fluency and sophisticated expression in Slovenian.
videti en 30 segundos
- perceive visually
- encounter someone
- understand a situation
§ What does 'videti' mean?
The Slovenian verb 'videti' (vee-deh-tee) means 'to see'. It's a fundamental verb you'll use a lot, just like in English. Think about how often you say 'I see' or 'Do you see?' – 'videti' works in very similar ways.
- DEFINITION
- To perceive with the eyes; to notice or discern visually.
You'll use 'videti' for general sight, like seeing objects, people, or places. It's not usually about understanding something (for that, you might use 'razumeti'), but strictly about the act of seeing.
§ When to use 'videti'
Here are some common situations where you'll use 'videti':
- To state that you see something or someone.
- To ask if someone sees something or someone.
- To talk about seeing things in the distance.
- To express that you can or cannot see something.
Jaz vidim psa.
Translation hint: I see a dog.
Ali vidiš to hišo?
Translation hint: Do you see that house?
Ne vidim nič.
Translation hint: I don't see anything.
§ 'Videti' in everyday conversation
Just like 'to see' in English, 'videti' is incredibly common in daily chat. You'll hear it constantly and use it to describe what you're experiencing visually. It’s one of those verbs that unlocks a lot of basic communication.
Lahko vidim tvojo knjigo?
Translation hint: Can I see your book?
Moram videti zdravnika.
Translation hint: I need to see a doctor. (Here, 'see' means to visit or consult, similar to English.)
§ Keep it simple
For now, focus on these basic uses of 'videti'. Don't get bogged down in complex grammar. Just try to recognize it and understand its core meaning: 'to see'. As you learn more, you'll naturally pick up on its nuances and different forms.
- Practice saying sentences with 'videti'.
- Listen for it in Slovenian speech or media.
- Try to form simple questions using 'Ali vidiš...?' (Do you see...?).
Jutri bomo videli naše prijatelje.
Translation hint: Tomorrow we will see our friends. (Meaning, we will meet them.)
Mastering 'videti' early on will give you a solid foundation for more complex Slovenian sentences. It's a key building block for describing your surroundings and interactions.
Dato curioso
The root *vid- is common across many Indo-European languages and is related to words like 'video' (Latin) and 'wit' (English).
Guía de pronunciación
- Beginners often struggle with the 'v' sound, which is pronounced like the 'v' in 'vase', not like 'w'.
Se confunde a menudo con
In English, 'see' can also mean 'to understand' (e.g., 'I see what you mean'). In Slovenian, 'videti' typically refers only to physical sight. For 'to understand', you would use verbs like 'razumeti' or 'dojeti'.
English 'look' is often translated as 'gledati' in Slovenian, emphasizing directed attention. 'Videti' is more passive.
Similar to 'look', 'watch' for an extended period (like a movie or a game) translates to 'gledati' in Slovenian, not 'videti'.
Fácil de confundir
'Videti' often gets confused with 'gledati' (to look at/watch). While 'videti' is about the passive act of seeing, 'gledati' implies active attention.
'Videti' is seeing (perception), 'gledati' is looking/watching (directed action).
Vidim ptico. (I see a bird.) Gledam film. (I am watching a movie.)
'Zreti' (to gaze/stare) is a more intense and prolonged form of 'gledati', and therefore even further removed from 'videti'.
'Videti' is simple seeing, 'zreti' is gazing intently.
Vidim sonce. (I see the sun.) Zrem v sončni zahod. (I am gazing at the sunset.)
'Opazovati' (to observe) implies careful and deliberate watching, which can be confused with the more general 'videti' if the nuance of active observation is missed.
'Videti' is to see, 'opazovati' is to observe closely.
Vidim oblake. (I see clouds.) Opazujem oblake, kako se premikajo. (I am observing the clouds as they move.)
'Razgledati se' (to look around) involves the act of seeing, but it's specifically about surveying one's surroundings, which is more active than simply 'videti'.
'Videti' is to see, 'razgledati se' is to look around a place.
Vidim trgovino. (I see a shop.) Razgledam se po trgovini. (I look around the shop.)
While not directly a visual verb, 'dojeti' (to comprehend/understand) can sometimes be metaphorically linked to 'seeing' or 'realizing' something. However, it's a mental process, not a visual one.
'Videti' is physical sight, 'dojeti' is mental understanding.
Vidim rešitev. (I see the solution - literally, I perceive it visually.) Dojamem rešitev. (I comprehend the solution - I understand it mentally.)
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Adjetivos
Cómo usarlo
How to Use 'videti' (to see) in Slovenian
'Videti' is a common and versatile verb in Slovenian, meaning 'to see'. It is an imperfective verb, meaning it describes an ongoing or repeated action, or the act of seeing itself without a specific completion.
Basic Conjugation (Present Tense)
Here’s how to conjugate 'videti' in the present tense:
- Jaz vidim – I see
- Ti vidiš – You (singular, informal) see
- On/Ona/Ono vidi – He/She/It sees
- Midva/Medve vidiva – We (dual) see
- Vidva/Vedve vidita – You (dual) see
- Oni/One/Ona vidijo – They (masculine/feminine/neuter) see
- Mi/Me vidimo – We (plural) see
- Vi/Ve vidite – You (plural, formal) see
Common Phrases and Examples
- Jaz vidim psa. (I see a dog.)
- Ali vidiš to? (Do you see that?)
- Vidim, da si utrujen. (I see that you are tired.)
- Ne vidim ničesar. (I don't see anything.)
- Vidim te! (I see you!)
- Kaj vidiš? (What do you see?)
Usage with Perception
While 'videti' primarily means 'to see' with your eyes, it can also be used in a broader sense of 'to perceive' or 'to understand', similar to English.
- Vidim, kaj misliš. (I see/understand what you mean.)
- To vidim kot dobro priložnost. (I see this as a good opportunity.)
Past Tense Formation
To form the past tense, you’ll use the past participle of 'videti' along with the appropriate form of 'biti' (to be).
- Jaz sem videl/videla. (I saw – masculine/feminine)
- Ti si videl/videla. (You saw)
- On je videl. (He saw)
- Ona je videla. (She saw)
- Mi smo videli/videle. (We saw – masculine/feminine plural)
Future Tense Formation
The future tense is formed using 'bom/boš/bo...' + 'videti'.
- Jaz bom videl/videla. (I will see)
- Ti boš videl/videla. (You will see)
Related Phrases
- Se vidiva! (See you! - informal, used when parting)
- Bomo videli. (We will see. - commonly used to express uncertainty or waiting for future developments)
Common Mistakes with 'videti'
1. Confusing 'videti' with 'gledati'
This is a very common mistake for English speakers. Both can translate to 'to see' or 'to look', but they have distinct uses:
- Videti: To perceive with your eyes; the act of seeing something that comes into your field of vision, often involuntarily or as a result. Think of it as 'to catch sight of' or 'to notice'.
- Gledati: To actively look at something; to direct your gaze. Think of it as 'to watch' or 'to observe'.
Example of mistake:
- Incorrect: Jaz vidim televizijo. (I am seeing the television.) - Unless you are just noticing the TV in the room.
- Correct: Jaz gledam televizijo. (I am watching television.)
- Correct: Jaz vidim zanimiv film. (I see an interesting film. - meaning you perceive it, or it appears in your vision.)
2. Incorrect Conjugation
Ensure you are using the correct ending for the subject pronoun. Slovenian verbs are highly inflected.
Example of mistake:
- Incorrect: On vidim. (He see.)
- Correct: On vidi. (He sees.)
3. Forgetting Dual Forms
Slovenian has a dual form for two people/things. Many learners forget to use this, especially with verbs.
Example of mistake:
- Incorrect: Mi (dva) vidimo. (We two see.)
- Correct: Midva vidiva. (We two see.)
4. Direct Translation of English 'See' in Imperative
While 'videti' means 'to see', you generally wouldn't use it in an imperative like 'See!' to draw attention to something. For that, you'd more likely use 'Poglej!' (Look!).
Example of mistake:
- Incorrect: Vidi! (See!) - To mean 'Look!'
- Correct: Poglej! (Look!)
5. Confusing 'videti' with 'izgledati'
While 'videti' means 'to see', 'izgledati' means 'to look like' or 'to appear'.
Example of mistake:
- Incorrect: On vidi utrujen. (He sees tired.)
- Correct: On izgleda utrujen. (He looks/appears tired.)
Origen de la palabra
Proto-Slavic *viděti
Significado original: to see, to know
Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, SlavicContexto cultural
In Slovenian culture, seeing is often associated with understanding and knowing. There's a common saying, 'Kar vidiš, to verjameš,' which means 'What you see, you believe,' emphasizing the importance of direct observation. This verb is also used in many idiomatic expressions.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasTo say 'I see' in Slovenian, you would use vidim. This is the first person singular form of the verb 'videti'.
Both 'videti' and 'gledati' relate to sight, but they are used differently. Videti means 'to see' (perception), while gledati means 'to look at' or 'to watch' (intentional action).
Here's the present tense conjugation for videti:
- jaz vidim (I see)
- ti vidiš (you see - singular informal)
- on/ona/ono vidi (he/she/it sees)
- midva/medve vidiva (we see - dual)
- vidva/vedve vidita (you see - dual)
- onadva/onidve vidita (they see - dual)
- mi/me vidimo (we see - plural)
- vi/ve vidite (you see - plural formal/informal)
- oni/one/ona vidijo (they see - plural)
Yes, videti can also mean 'to meet' someone, especially in the context of seeing someone in person. For example, 'Videl sem ga v mestu' means 'I saw him in town' or 'I met him in town'.
To ask 'Do you see?' you would say Ali vidiš? (singular informal) or Ali vidite? (plural/formal). The word 'ali' is often used to form questions in Slovenian.
A very common phrase is Se vidimo! which means 'See you!' It's used when parting ways.
To say 'I can't see', you would use Ne vidim. 'Ne' is the negation particle in Slovenian.
The verb videti itself does not change based on the gender of the noun being seen. However, if you are talking about who is seeing, the pronoun before the verb will change (e.g., ona vidi - she sees, on vidi - he sees).
While 'videti' directly means 'to see', the phrase Zdi se mi (It seems to me) is more commonly used for 'it seems'. You can also use constructions like 'kot vidim' (as I see) to express a perception.
One idiom is videti luč na koncu predora, which means 'to see the light at the end of the tunnel'. This is used similarly to the English expression.
Ponte a prueba 48 preguntas
Choose the correct translation for 'I see'.
The verb 'videti' conjugates to 'vidim' for 'jaz' (I).
Which sentence means 'Do you see the dog?'
'Ali' is used for questions, 'ti' is 'you' (singular informal), and 'psa' is 'dog' (accusative case).
Select the correct form of 'videti' for 'she'.
For 'ona' (she), the verb 'videti' conjugates to 'vidi'.
The sentence 'Mi vidimo hišo' means 'We see the house'.
'Mi' means 'we', and 'hišo' means 'house' (accusative case).
In Slovenian, 'videti' can only refer to physical sight.
'Videti' can also mean 'to understand' or 'to seem' in certain contexts, though at A1 we focus on physical sight.
The word 'vidim' is the correct conjugation for 'you (plural) see'.
'Vidim' is 'I see'. For 'you (plural) see', it's 'vidite'.
Listen to how 'vidim' sounds.
Pay attention to the ending of 'vidiš'.
Notice the pronunciation of 'vidi'.
Read this aloud:
Jaz vidim. (I see.)
Focus: v-ee-deem
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Ti vidiš. (You see.)
Focus: v-ee-deesh
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
On vidi. (He sees.)
Focus: v-ee-dee
Dijiste:
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Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'videti' (to see): Jaz ______ hišo. (I see a house.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jaz vidim hišo.
Translate this sentence into Slovenian: 'She sees a dog.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ona vidi psa.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'videti': Mi ______ cesto. (We see a road.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi vidimo cesto.
Kaj vidiš ti? (What do you see?)
Read this passage:
Jaz vidim drevo. Ti vidiš rožo. Mi vidimo avto.
Kaj vidiš ti? (What do you see?)
The passage states 'Ti vidiš rožo.' (You see a flower.)
The passage states 'Ti vidiš rožo.' (You see a flower.)
Kaj vidijo oni? (What do they see?)
Read this passage:
On vidi vlak. Ona vidi reko. Oni vidijo ptico.
Kaj vidijo oni? (What do they see?)
The passage states 'Oni vidijo ptico.' (They see a bird.)
The passage states 'Oni vidijo ptico.' (They see a bird.)
Kaj vidiš ti? (What do you see?)
Read this passage:
Vi vidite goro. Jaz vidim gozd. Ti vidiš jezero.
Kaj vidiš ti? (What do you see?)
The passage states 'Ti vidiš jezero.' (You see a lake.)
The passage states 'Ti vidiš jezero.' (You see a lake.)
This sentence means 'I want to see a movie.' The basic word order is Subject-Verb-Object.
This sentence asks 'Can you see my book?' 'Ali' introduces a question, followed by the modal verb 'lahko' (can), then the main verb 'vidiš' (you see), and the object 'mojo knjigo' (my book).
This sentence means 'We will see each other tomorrow.' The reflexive pronoun 'se' comes after the subject 'Mi' and before the auxiliary verb 'bomo'.
This sentence translates to 'I am to see a film.' or 'I am going to see a film.' The word order in Slovenian is often Subject-Verb-Object.
This means 'She wants to see friends.' The structure 'želi videti' (wants to see) is common.
This translates to 'Can you see the birds?' 'Ali' is often used to form questions, and 'lahko' means 'can' or 'able to'.
The speaker is asking about a mutual friend.
The speaker is surprised by a movie's ending.
The speaker noticed something was wrong with 'her' due to her appearance.
Read this aloud:
Ali ste videli, kje je ključ?
Focus: videli
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Nisem je videl že celo večnost.
Focus: nisem je videl
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Želim videti, kako ti gre.
Focus: želim videti
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are a seasoned art critic writing for a prestigious international magazine. Describe a recent visit to an avant-garde exhibition in Ljubljana, focusing on a particular piece that challenged your perception of reality. Use 'videti' (to see) in various forms to convey your experience and intellectual struggle.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ob obisku najnovejše avantgardne razstave v Ljubljani sem bil priča delu, ki je popolnoma preoblikovalo, kako sem do sedaj navajen videti umetnost. Nisem mogel preprosto videti le platna in barv; moral sem se potopiti globlje, da bi resnično videl umetnikov namen. To delo me je prisililo, da sem podvomil o tem, kar sem mislil, da vidim, in mi odprlo oči za nove interpretacije resničnosti.
As a philosopher, you are preparing a lecture on the nature of empirical knowledge. Discuss how 'videti' (to see) transcends mere sensory input and connects to understanding, interpretation, and the construction of meaning. Incorporate at least three different grammatical forms of 'videti'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
V svojem predavanju o naravi empiričnega znanja bom raziskal, kako glagol 'videti' presega zgolj zaznavanje. Ne gre le za to, da vidimo predmete z očmi; gre tudi za to, da vidimo povezave, razumemo pomen in vidimo celotno sliko. Sposobnost videti onkraj očitnega je ključnega pomena za oblikovanje globljega spoznanja in interpretacije sveta okoli nas. To je, kar nas loči od preprostega opazovanja in nas vodi k resničnemu razumevanju.
You are a travel writer describing a clandestine encounter with a mysterious figure in a dimly lit Venetian alley. Focus on the elusive nature of what you could 'videti' (to see) and the psychological impact of the encounter. Emphasize the nuances of perception.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
V mračni beneški uličici sem poskušal videti obraz neznanca, a mi je tema preprečevala, da bi jasno videl njegove poteze. Komaj sem lahko videl obrise, kar je še povečalo skrivnostnost srečanja. Kar sem videl, ali bolje rečeno, česar nisem mogel popolnoma videti, je pustilo trajen psihološki vtis, saj je moje zaznavanje resničnosti postalo bolj fluidno in neulovljivo.
Kaj avtor poskuša videti po branju Platona?
Read this passage:
Ko sem prebral Platona, sem začel drugače videti svet. Njegove ideje o resničnosti in videzu so mi odprle oči. Zdaj poskušam videti bistvo stvari, ne le njihove zunanje oblike. To je zahteven proces, a verjamem, da me bo pripeljal do globljega razumevanja. Kaj je bistvo, ki ga avtor zdaj poskuša videti?
Kaj avtor poskuša videti po branju Platona?
Avtor eksplicitno navaja, da 'zdaj poskušam videti bistvo stvari, ne le njihove zunanje oblike' po branju Platona.
Avtor eksplicitno navaja, da 'zdaj poskušam videti bistvo stvari, ne le njihove zunanje oblike' po branju Platona.
Kaj je bil glavni namen umetnika pri ustvarjanju dela?
Read this passage:
Umetnik se je pogosto spraševal, ali ljudje zares vidijo njegovo delo ali le površno opazujejo barve. Njegov namen je bil spodbuditi razmislek, ne le estetsko uživanje. Želel je, da bi gledalci videli sporočilo, ki se skriva pod plastmi barv, da bi videli življenjske izkušnje, ki so ga navdihnile. Kakšen je bil glavni namen umetnika pri ustvarjanju dela?
Kaj je bil glavni namen umetnika pri ustvarjanju dela?
V besedilu piše: 'Njegov namen je bil spodbuditi razmislek, ne le estetsko uživanje. Želel je, da bi gledalci videli sporočilo, ki se skriva pod plastmi barv, da bi videli življenjske izkušnje, ki so ga navdihnile.'
V besedilu piše: 'Njegov namen je bil spodbuditi razmislek, ne le estetsko uživanje. Želel je, da bi gledalci videli sporočilo, ki se skriva pod plastmi barv, da bi videli življenjske izkušnje, ki so ga navdihnile.'
Kaj je detektiva delalo izjemnega?
Read this passage:
Detektiv je bil znan po svoji sposobnosti videti pod površje očitnih dokazov. Nikoli se ni zadovoljil s tem, kar je preprosto videl; vedno je iskal globlje resnice, skrite motive in neizrečene zgodbe. Njegova modrost ni izhajala iz tega, kar je opazoval, temveč iz tega, kar je bil sposoben videti, ko so drugi že obupali. Kaj je detektiva delalo izjemnega?
Kaj je detektiva delalo izjemnega?
Besedilo poudarja, da 'Nikoli se ni zadovoljil s tem, kar je preprosto videl; vedno je iskal globlje resnice, skrite motive in neizrečene zgodbe. Njegova modrost ni izhajala iz tega, kar je opazoval, temveč iz tega, kar je bil sposoben videti, ko so drugi že obupali.'
Besedilo poudarja, da 'Nikoli se ni zadovoljil s tem, kar je preprosto videl; vedno je iskal globlje resnice, skrite motive in neizrečene zgodbe. Njegova modrost ni izhajala iz tega, kar je opazoval, temveč iz tega, kar je bil sposoben videti, ko so drugi že obupali.'
This sentence structure asks if something can be seen as a symbol of resistance. Inverting the auxiliary verb 'je' with 'jih' makes it a question. 'Mogoče' (possibly/can be) follows, then the infinitive 'videti' (to see), and finally the comparison 'kot simbol odpora' (as a symbol of resistance).
This sentence means 'Although we tried to see the truth, it was denied to us.' The subordinate clause 'Čeprav smo skušali videti resnico' (Although we tried to see the truth) comes first, followed by the main clause 'nam je bila zatajena' (it was denied to us).
This sentence translates to 'The ability to see beyond the obvious is a sign of wisdom.' The subject 'Sposobnost videti onkraj očitnega' (The ability to see beyond the obvious) is followed by the verb 'je' (is) and the predicate nominative 'znak modrosti' (a sign of wisdom).
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Videti' is a fundamental verb for seeing, noticing, and meeting in Slovenian.
- perceive visually
- encounter someone
- understand a situation
