Meaning
Used to draw attention to something visual.
Cultural Background
Pointing with the index finger while saying 'Pozri' is common among friends but considered slightly rude toward people. Use a whole-hand gesture in formal settings. The distinction between 'Ty' (informal) and 'Vy' (formal) is critical. Using 'Pozri' with an elder is a sign of disrespect. Slovaks often use 'Pozri' to introduce a hard truth or a logical argument, reflecting a culture that values directness over 'beating around the bush'. In the countryside, 'Pozri' might be replaced by more dialectal forms like 'Hľa' (Behold) in very old-fashioned or religious contexts.
The 'Sa' Rule
Adding 'sa' (Pozri sa) makes the command feel a bit more complete and is very common in spoken Slovak.
Don't be too bossy
Saying 'Pozri!' too loudly or frequently can sound demanding. Soften it with a smile or a 'prosím' (please) if you're unsure.
Meaning
Used to draw attention to something visual.
The 'Sa' Rule
Adding 'sa' (Pozri sa) makes the command feel a bit more complete and is very common in spoken Slovak.
Don't be too bossy
Saying 'Pozri!' too loudly or frequently can sound demanding. Soften it with a smile or a 'prosím' (please) if you're unsure.
The 'Look' Intro
Use 'Pozri' at the start of a sentence when you want to sound like a native speaker explaining something logically.
Eye Contact
If you say 'Pozri na mňa', be prepared for direct eye contact, which is a sign of respect and attention in Slovakia.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form for a formal situation with your boss.
Pán Kováč, ______ na tento graf.
In formal situations, you must use the 'vykanie' form, which is 'Pozrite'.
Fill in the blank to tell your friend to look at you.
Pozri ______ mňa!
The preposition 'na' is used with 'pozrieť' to mean 'look at'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits best when you see a beautiful bird?
Both 'Pozri' (Look) and 'Aha' (There/Look) are appropriate for spotting an animal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ______! Tam je tvoj dom. B: Áno, to je on.
Depending on the relationship, all could work, but 'Pozri' is the most standard.
Match the Slovak phrase to its English equivalent.
1. Pozri sem, 2. Pozri tam, 3. Pozri sa na to
Sem = here, Tam = there, Na to = at that.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Pozri vs Pozrite
Pozri (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Children
- • Pets
Pozrite (Formal)
- • Boss
- • Teacher
- • Strangers
- • Groups
Practice Bank
5 exercisesPán Kováč, ______ na tento graf.
In formal situations, you must use the 'vykanie' form, which is 'Pozrite'.
Pozri ______ mňa!
The preposition 'na' is used with 'pozrieť' to mean 'look at'.
Which phrase fits best when you see a beautiful bird?
Both 'Pozri' (Look) and 'Aha' (There/Look) are appropriate for spotting an animal.
A: ______! Tam je tvoj dom. B: Áno, to je on.
Depending on the relationship, all could work, but 'Pozri' is the most standard.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Sem = here, Tam = there, Na to = at that.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNeither! It is a verb form (imperative), so it doesn't have gender. It only changes based on whether you are talking to one person or many.
No, for watching a movie, use 'Pozerať film'. 'Pozri' is for a quick look or directing attention.
'Pozri' is a command ('Look!'). 'Aha' is an exclamation ('There it is!' or 'I see!').
It's not rude with friends, but it is rude with strangers or superiors. Use 'Pozrite' for them.
Say 'Pozri na to auto'.
Yes, they are mostly interchangeable, but 'Pozri sa' is slightly more common when followed by 'na' (at).
It means 'Let's look' or 'Let's see'.
Yes, 'Kukni' is the most common slang/informal version.
Only in a very informal email to a friend. In business, use 'V prílohe nájdete...' (In the attachment you will find...).
No, you can just shout 'Pozri!' if something happens suddenly.
The accusative case. For example: 'Pozri na tú ženu' (Look at that woman).
Say 'Pozri na nás'.
In Czech, they say 'Podívej'. 'Pozri' is specifically Slovak, though Czechs will understand it.
Using the informal 'Pozri' with a teacher or boss.
Related Phrases
Aha
similarLook! / There!
Pozrite sa
specialized formLook (formal/plural)
Kukni
synonymHave a peek
Viď
specialized formSee / Refer to
Všimni si
similarNotice
Sleduj
similarWatch / Follow
