video
[ˈwɪ.de.oː]
The English verb 'see' can be translated into Latin in several ways, with the default form being video. Wiktionary also lists specto and specio.
Meaning: perceive with the eyes (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| video | [ˈwɪ.de.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈviː.de.o] (narrow) |
| specto | [ˈspɛk.toː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈspɛk.to] (narrow) |
| specio | [ˈspɛ.ki.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈspɛː.t͡ʃi.o] (narrow) |
| viso | [ˈwiː.soː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈviː.s̬o] (narrow) |
| visito | [ˈwiː.sɪ.toː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈviː.s̬i.to] (narrow) |
The primary verb for the act of perceiving with the eyes is videre. While video is a specific conjugated form of this verb, other verbs like contemplari can be used if you wish to express seeing with a sense of admiration or contemplation.
What does it mean word for word?
The form video is the first-person singular present indicative active, which literally translates to 'I see'.
Which one should you use?
While video is used for general perception, specio carries a nuance of examining or looking closely at something. Other forms include specto, specio, viso and visito.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb meaning 'to see' is vīdere.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit verb páśyati is a distant cognate of the Latin verbs used for seeing, linking the Latin language to ancient Indo-Aryan roots.
- The Latin verb viso is an 's-desiderative' form, a grammatical structure used to express a sense of wanting or desiring to see something.
- The English word 'witness' is a distant relative of the Latin video, as both stem from an ancient root meaning 'to see' or 'to know'.
Examples in context
- Avem in tecto video.I see a bird on the roof.This sentence shows how to use video to describe seeing a bird on a roof.Tatoeba #1321913 by alexmarcelo, translation #25581 by CK
- Non saepe eum video.I don't see him often.This sentence uses video to express the frequency of seeing someone.Tatoeba #5312631 by alexmarcelo, translation #3910195 by CH
- Me in speculo video.I see myself in the mirror.This sentence uses video to describe seeing a reflection in a mirror.Tatoeba #13764686 by carlosalberto, translation #7925080 by adiante19
- Ego videoI see
- Ille/illa/illud videtHe/she/it sees
- Nos videmusWe see
- Vos videtisYou see (plural, formal or informal)
- Ego contemplor pulchritudinemI see the beauty (with contemplation)
- 130 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are looking for a lost dog in the garden.
- MarcusUbi est canis noster?Where is our dog?
- AureliaEcce! Canem sub arbore video.Look! I see the dog under the tree.
- MarcusEgo non video.I do not see him.
- AureliaNunc eum video, Marce.Now I see him, Marcus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see” translations and entries video, specto, specio, viso, visito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries specio, specto, video, viso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
