نظر إلى
naẓara ʾilā
The English phrase "look at" is translated into Arabic as نظر إلى (naẓara ʾilā).
نظر إلى is used to describe the action of directing one's eyes toward something to observe or watch it.
Meaning: observe or watch (verb)
Which one should you use?
While نظر إلى refers to the act of directing one's eyes toward an object, the verb رأى is used specifically for the perception of an object, meaning "to see". Additionally, when you want to say "watch" in the context of a movie or a game, the verb شاهد is often more natural than using نظر إلى.
How does it change in a sentence?
To command someone to "look at" something, you use the imperative form unẓur ʾilā. For the third-person masculine singular present tense, meaning "he looks at", the form is yanẓuru ʾilā.
How do you pronounce it?
naẓara ʾilā
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, prolonged eye contact when 'looking at' someone can be perceived as a sign of intense scrutiny or even aggression, rather than just simple observation.
- The root of نظر is shared with ancient languages like Hebrew and Aramaic, where it originally meant 'to guard' or 'to protect' rather than just to observe with eyes.
- In Arabic, the concept of 'looking' is often tied to 'insight' or 'opinion', meaning a person's 'look' on a subject refers to their perspective.
Examples in context
- اُنظر إلى تلك الغيوم.Look at those clouds.This sentence is useful for practicing the form نظر إلى with the word "clouds".Tatoeba #375531 by saeb, translation #68579 by CK
- أُنظر إلى هذا!Look at that!This sentence is useful for practicing the form نظر إلى with the word "that".Tatoeba #1938742 by Asma, translation #1937402 by Beatminister
- أُنظر إلى هذا.Look at this.Tatoeba #2000911 by Asma, translation #1998219 by CK
- انظر للسماء المذهلة في الليل.Look at the stunning sky at night.
- انظر إلى تقريرك قبل تقديمه.Look at your report before submitting it.
- شوف الطائر الجميل على الشجرة.Look at the beautiful bird on the tree.
- شوف هذه الصورة، إنها رائعة!Look at this picture, it's amazing!
- شف شو صار!Look at what happened!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries إلى, نظر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
