vedere
/veˈde.re/
To see in Italian is vedere.
vedere is a verb used to describe the act of perceiving something with the eyes. For example, the form vediamo can mean "we'll see" or "let's see" when you are expressing uncertainty or a need to make a decision at a later time.
Meaning: perceive with the eyes (verb)
Which one should you use?
While vedere means to perceive something with your eyes, you should use guardare when you are intentionally directing your gaze toward something, such as when you look at or watch something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some southern regions of Italy, the phrase stammi bene is used as a way to say "take care" or "be well" when saying goodbye.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
vedere is an irregular verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /veˈde.re/.
When do people say it?
Italian speakers often use phrases like A dopo (until later/see you later) to indicate they will see the person again later. If you are speaking with friends, family or close acquaintances, you might use Ciao to mean both "hello" and "goodbye".
Did you know?
- The Italian word vedere shares the same ancient root as the English word 'wit' and the German 'wissen'. This connects the act of seeing with the act of knowing.
- In Italian, the phrase non vedo l'ora literally means 'I don't see the hour' but is used to say 'I can't wait'.
- In a romantic context, vedersi can be used as a euphemism for dating or having a relationship without using the word 'love'.
Examples in context
- Li vada a vedere.Go see them.Tatoeba #5709324 by Guybrush88, translation #3910333 by CH
- Le vada a vedere.Go and see them.Tatoeba #5709325 by Guybrush88, translation #3910390 by CH
- Lo vada a vedere.Go see him.Tatoeba #5709331 by Guybrush88, translation #3910334 by CH
- È stato un piacere conoscerla. Arrivederci!It was a pleasure meeting you. Goodbye!
- A presto, amico mio!See you soon, my friend!
- 2151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are at a museum looking at a painting.
- SofiaVuoi vedere questo quadro?Do you want to see this painting?
- LorenzoSì, vorrei vedere meglio i dettagli.Yes, I would like to see the details more closely.
- SofiaÈ difficile vedere i colori da qui.It is difficult to see the colors from here.
- LorenzoHai ragione, dobbiamo avvicinarci.You are right, we need to move closer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see” translations and entries vedere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vedere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
