Signification
One can tell by looking at someone.
Contexte culturel
The eyes are considered the most 'honest' part of the body. In Russian culture, maintaining eye contact during a serious conversation is a sign of respect and honesty. Ancient Slavs believed in the 'evil eye' (сглаз), showing that eyes were thought to have power. This phrase is a modern, secular remnant of the idea that eyes project internal truth. Authors like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy used eye descriptions as a primary tool for characterization, often using the 'visible by the eyes' logic to reveal a character's soul. On Russian Instagram or VK, you'll often see the hashtag #поглазамвидно on photos where someone looks particularly emotional or tired.
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase to show you are a good listener. It proves you are paying attention to more than just words.
Don't Overuse
If you use it too much, you might sound like you're trying to be a psychic or being too intrusive.
Signification
One can tell by looking at someone.
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase to show you are a good listener. It proves you are paying attention to more than just words.
Don't Overuse
If you use it too much, you might sound like you're trying to be a psychic or being too intrusive.
The 'Mirror' Concept
Remember the proverb 'Глаза — зеркало души'. Mentioning it will make you sound very culturally aware.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'глаза'.
Я не верю тебе, по твоим _______ видно, что ты что-то скрываешь.
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case. 'Глазам' is the Dative plural form.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I can tell you're happy'?
Select the best option:
This is the standard idiomatic expression for reading someone's emotions.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'По глазам видно, что он очень устал.'
The phrase is used to observe physical or emotional exhaustion.
Complete the dialogue.
— Ты на меня обиделась? — Нет, всё нормально. — Неправда, ...
This is a common way to challenge someone who is hiding their true feelings.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ не верю тебе, по твоим _______ видно, что ты что-то скрываешь.
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case. 'Глазам' is the Dative plural form.
Select the best option:
This is the standard idiomatic expression for reading someone's emotions.
'По глазам видно, что он очень устал.'
The phrase is used to observe physical or emotional exhaustion.
— Ты на меня обиделась? — Нет, всё нормально. — Неправда, ...
This is a common way to challenge someone who is hiding their true feelings.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say 'По глазам собаки видно, что она хочет гулять' (You can tell by the dog's eyes it wants a walk).
Both are correct and used interchangeably. The first one is slightly more common.
It's not rude, but it is intimate. Use it with people you know at least somewhat well.
No, that doesn't exist. But you can say 'по лицу видно' (visible by the face).
No, it can mean any emotion: joy, sadness, fear, or exhaustion.
Use the dative possessive: 'По его глазам видно'.
Just add 'было': 'По глазам было видно'.
Better not. It's too subjective for professional writing.
Yes, 'Глаза палят' (The eyes are snitching).
We still use the plural 'глазам' because the expression refers to the gaze in general.
Expressions liées
По лицу видно
similarVisible by the face.
Глаза — зеркало души
builds onEyes are the mirror of the soul.
У тебя на лбу написано
similarIt's written on your forehead.
Сразу видно
similarVisible immediately.
