guardami
The English phrase "look at me" is translated into Italian as guardami.
guardami is a command used to tell someone to direct their eyes toward the speaker. If you want to ask someone to focus on you more broadly in an informal setting, you can also use Senti, guarda, which combines the commands for "listen" and "look".
What does it mean word for word?
The word guardami is a combination of the imperative verb guarda (look) and the enclitic pronoun mi (me).
Which one should you use?
While guardami is a direct command, mi guardi is a statement or a question depending on how it is spoken. For example, mi guardi means "you look at me".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the imperative form guardami, the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb. In a standard declarative sentence, the pronoun mi would precede the verb. If you are addressing more than one person, the command changes to guardatemi.
Did you know?
- The verb guardare is derived from the Old French word garder, which means 'to guard' or 'to keep'. In Italian, the sense evolved from 'watching over' something to simply 'looking' at it.
- Italian has a distinct difference between guardare (to look at) and vedere (to see). You use guardami because you are directing a conscious effort, whereas vedimi would mean 'spot me' or 'be able to see me'.
- The word guarda is so common that it is used as a filler word in conversation, similar to 'look' or 'listen' in English, even when the speaker is not actually asking anyone to see anything.
Examples in context
- Guardami quando ti parlo!Look at me when I talk to you!This sentence is useful for practicing the command guardami when emphasizing speaking to someone.Tatoeba #383883 by Pharamp, translation #1698 by CE
- Hey, guardami.Hey, look at me.This sentence shows a simple, informal use of guardami.Tatoeba #3334109 by Guybrush88, translation #3333959 by CK
- Guardami negli occhi.Look at me in the eyes.This sentence demonstrates how to use guardami when asking someone to look into your eyes.Tatoeba #825793 by Guybrush88, translation #3783386 by popball
- Siete pregati di guardarmi mentre svolgo la mia presentazione.Please look at me while I do my presentation.
- Guardami mentre ballo sul palco.Look at me while I dance on stage.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is showing Matteo a new piece of jewelry.
- GiuliaGuardami, vedi questo anello?Look at me, do you see this ring?
- MatteoSì, è bellissimo!Yes, it is beautiful!
- GiuliaMi sta bene, vero?It looks good on me, right?
- MatteoSì, ti dona molto.Yes, it suits you a lot.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
