Signification
To be noticeable or remarkable.
Contexte culturel
Estonians often prefer 'silent' remarkability. If you 'paistad silma' too loudly (by bragging), it might be seen negatively. The ideal is to be noticed for your work, not your words. In business meetings, standing out is achieved through data and punctuality. A 'silmapaistev' presentation is one that is clear and concise. During the 'Laulupidu', standing out is about the collective harmony, yet individual soloists who 'paistavad silma' are treated as national heroes. In the tech world, 'silma paistma' is used for UI/UX design that is intuitive. A button that 'paistab silma' is one that is easy for the user to find.
The 'Oma' Rule
Always use 'oma' (own) when saying what *you* stand out with. 'Ma paistan silma oma (not minu) stiiliga'.
Avoid 'Silmas'
Never say 'silmas paistma'. It sounds like something is physically inside your eyeball.
Signification
To be noticeable or remarkable.
The 'Oma' Rule
Always use 'oma' (own) when saying what *you* stand out with. 'Ma paistan silma oma (not minu) stiiliga'.
Avoid 'Silmas'
Never say 'silmas paistma'. It sounds like something is physically inside your eyeball.
Modesty Matters
If someone says you 'paistad silma', a simple 'Aitäh' is better than agreeing too enthusiastically.
Adjective Power
If you forget the verb, just use 'silmapaistev' as an adjective. It's often easier to use in a sentence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Ta paistab silma oma ______ (tarkus).
We use the adessive case (-ga) to show the reason or means by which someone stands out.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Silma' is the fixed part of the idiom, and 'paistan' is the 1st person singular of 'paistma'.
Match the reason for standing out with the most likely person.
1. Pikkus, 2. Head hinded, 3. Punane kleit
Basketball players stand out for height, students for grades, and models for fashion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas sa märkasid uut kolleegi? B: Jaa, ta ______ kohe silma.
The dialogue is in the past tense ('märkasid'), so the verb 'paistma' must also be in the past tense ('paistis').
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Paistma vs. Torkama
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTa paistab silma oma ______ (tarkus).
We use the adessive case (-ga) to show the reason or means by which someone stands out.
Select the correct option:
'Silma' is the fixed part of the idiom, and 'paistan' is the 1st person singular of 'paistma'.
1. Pikkus, 2. Head hinded, 3. Punane kleit
Basketball players stand out for height, students for grades, and models for fashion.
A: Kas sa märkasid uut kolleegi? B: Jaa, ta ______ kohe silma.
The dialogue is in the past tense ('märkasid'), so the verb 'paistma' must also be in the past tense ('paistis').
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies talent or beauty. However, it can be neutral, like a tall building standing out.
It's better to use 'silma torkama' for mistakes or ugly things. 'Silma paistma' is for 'shining'.
Me paistame silma.
The opposite is 'mitte silma paistma' or 'varju jääma' (to stay in the shadow).
Yes, it is very professional. For example: 'Paistsin silma müügitulemustega'.
No, 'silma' stays in the singular short illative form even if many people are looking.
No, it is standard Estonian used in news, books, and daily life.
No, it is strictly visual. For sounds, use 'kõrvu jääma' (to remain in the ears).
'Esile tõusma' is more formal and often refers to issues or facts rather than people.
Yes, that is a beautiful and poetic simile.
Expressions liées
Silma jääma
similarTo be noticed and remembered.
Silma torkama
similarTo be glaringly obvious.
Esile tõusma
synonymTo rise to the fore.
Tähelepanu äratama
similarTo wake up attention.
Silmapaistev
builds onOutstanding / Remarkable.
Varju jääma
contrastTo stay in the shadow.
