Signification
To take a quick look/interest.
Contexte culturel
Latvians value privacy. 'Mest aci' is a way to acknowledge something without staring, which is considered 'kaunpilni' (shameful) or rude. Similar idioms exist in Lithuanian ('mesti akį'), showing a shared linguistic heritage in how visual perception is conceptualized. On Latvian social media (like Draugiem.lv or Instagram), 'uzmest aci' is used to describe 'checking' profiles or stories. Ancient Latvians believed the eye had power. 'Mest aci' might be a linguistic remnant of the idea that looking is an active force.
Use the prefix 'uz-'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'uzmest aci' for a completed action. It sounds more natural than just 'mest aci'.
Don't use plural
Avoid saying 'mest acis' unless you are talking about a very intense or strange situation. Stick to the singular 'aci'.
Signification
To take a quick look/interest.
Use the prefix 'uz-'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'uzmest aci' for a completed action. It sounds more natural than just 'mest aci'.
Don't use plural
Avoid saying 'mest acis' unless you are talking about a very intense or strange situation. Stick to the singular 'aci'.
The 'Crush' nuance
Be careful using 'mest aci' on a person; it often implies you find them attractive. If you just want to say you looked at them, use 'paskatīties'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mest' in the present tense.
Es ______ aci uz jauno mašīnu.
The subject is 'Es' (I), so the verb must be 'metu'.
Which sentence means 'Take a quick look at the clock'?
Choose the best option:
'Uzmet aci' is the perfective form for a quick glance.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English meaning.
Match them up:
Prefixes change the nuance of the glance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vai tu redzēji manu jauno telefonu? B: Nē, tūlīt ______ aci!
The future tense 'uzmetīšu' (I will throw) is needed here.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Glance vs. Stare
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEs ______ aci uz jauno mašīnu.
The subject is 'Es' (I), so the verb must be 'metu'.
Choose the best option:
'Uzmet aci' is the perfective form for a quick glance.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Prefixes change the nuance of the glance.
A: Vai tu redzēji manu jauno telefonu? B: Nē, tūlīt ______ aci!
The future tense 'uzmetīšu' (I will throw) is needed here.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral or friendly. However, 'throwing an eye' at someone's private messages would be rude.
Yes, if it's a casual email to a colleague. For a formal client, use 'pārskatīt'.
'Skatīties' is the general verb for 'to look'. 'Mest aci' specifically means a quick, brief look.
Use 'Es uzmetu aci' or 'Es metu aci'.
Usually, yes, if you are looking *at* something. If you are just 'taking a look' in general, you can say 'Es tikai uzmetu aci'.
No, it is strictly visual. For sounds, you would use 'ieklausīties' (to listen in).
Yes, frequently in dialogue and informal narrative to describe a character's quick observation.
Use 'iemest aci' (throw an eye into).
Yes, 'iemest lūru' is a common slang equivalent.
Only if you are just watching a small part of it. If you watch the whole thing, you 'noskaties' the movie.
Expressions liées
Piesiet aci
similarTo fix one's eye on something
Iekrist acīs
builds onTo fall into the eyes (to be noticed)
Acis darba bīstas
contrastEyes are afraid of work
No acīm prom
contrastOut of sight
Acs pret aci
specialized formEye for an eye / Face to face
