Katsetusi

Katsetusi is a Finnish term used in discussions of nonverbal communication to denote brief, often evaluative glances exchanged between people during interaction. The word is built from katse (“glance”) and -tus (“act, process”) and is used to refer to the act or occurrence of glancing, particularly when it conveys information about attitudes or intentions without words.

In studies of gaze behavior, katsetusi is described as a rapid, involuntary or semi-voluntary glance that may occur at moments of decision, assessment, or interruption. Its duration is typically a fraction of a second to a few seconds, and its direction—toward a person, object, or space—can carry social meaning such as interest, dominance, or disapproval.

In research and analysis, the concept is explored with observational coding and eye-tracking to understand how glances influence interactions. In literature, film, and design, katsetusi is sometimes used to describe scenes where a character’s glance signals attitude or intent, or where gaze cues guide audience perception.

Related topics include gaze, eye contact, nonverbal communication, and eye-tracking.