Katso

Katso is a Finnish verb meaning to look or to watch. It is most commonly encountered as the second-person singular imperative form of the verb katsoa, used to direct someone to look at or observe something. In everyday language, katso can also appear in instructions and signs as a command, for example “Katso tämä” meaning “Look at this.”

Finnish verbs are conjugated for person and number. The infinitive is katsoa; present tense forms include minä katson, sinä katsot, hän katsoo, me katsomme, te katsotte, he katsovat. The imperative forms are singular “katso” and plural “katsokaa.” The noun form katse denotes a look or glance, and katsoja refers to a viewer or observer, illustrating how the base root can generate related words.

Usage varies with register. As an imperative it commands attention, and is common in directions, advertisements, and media contexts where a video, image, or action is being introduced. The exact meaning—brief glance or sustained watching—depends on the object and context. The word can also appear in exclamations or questions, altering tone accordingly.

Related terms include katse (a look or glance) and katsoja (a viewer). The verb katsoa itself shares a common Finnish root with these forms, reflecting a straightforward, concrete style typical of everyday Finnish instruction and communication.