Mikhail Poda

Topic: to See, Watch

Infinitive Transcription Meaning Notes Example
לִרְאוֹת lir’ot to see Most basic verb for seeing אני רואה אותך – I see you
לְהִסְתַּכֵּל lehistakel to look at, watch Active looking, requires “על” להסתכל על התמונה – look at the picture
לִצְפּוֹת litzpot to watch, observe Formal or for media, requires “ב־” לצפות בסרט – watch a movie
לְהַשְׁקִיף lehashkif to overlook, view from above Formal or scenic השקפנו מהגג – we looked out from the roof
לְהִתְבּוֹנֵן lehitbonen to observe carefully Deep, thoughtful observation; often used for mindfulness or reflection הוא התבונן בציור במשך שעה – he observed the painting for an hour
לְהַבִּיט lehabit to gaze, look Slightly formal, requires “ב־” להביט בילד – look at the child
לִבְהוֹת livhot to stare blankly Rare; implies spaced-out or frozen look בהה בקיר – stared at the wall

The Letter צ and the Eyes

Interestingly, צ appears in several verbs connected with watching or movements of the eyes. This is a noticeable vocabulary cluster, although the verbs belong to different roots and do not form one historical word family.

Infinitive Transcription Meaning Example
לִצְפּוֹת litzpot to watch, observe לצפות בסרט – watch a movie
לְהָצִיץ lehatzitz to peek, glance הוא הציץ דרך הדלת – he peeked through the door
לַעֲצוֹם la’atzom to close one’s eyes עצמתי את העיניים – I closed my eyes
עיניים עצומות לרווחה – Eyes Wide Shut (movie)
לְמַצְמֵץ lematzmetz to blink היא מצמצה בגלל האור החזק – she blinked because of the bright light
לִקְרוֹץ likrotz to wink היא קרצה לי – she winked at me