sjónast

Sjónast is an Icelandic verb meaning "to appear," "to seem," or "to be visible." It is a reflexive verb, often translated as "to be seen" or "to show oneself." The verb is derived from the noun sjón, which means "sight" or "vision."

The basic form of the verb is sjónast. In the present tense, first-person singular, it is ég sjónast (I appear/seem). In the past tense, first-person singular, it is ég sjónaðist (I appeared/seemed). The past participle is sjónastur.

Sjónast is commonly used in everyday Icelandic conversation. For example, "Hann sjónast vera reiður" translates to "He appears to be angry." Another example is "Hlutirnir sjónast ekki eins og þeir eru í raun og veru," meaning "Things do not appear as they really are."

The verb can also be used in a more passive sense, indicating that something is observable. For instance, "Fuglinn sjónast á greininni" means "The bird is visible on the branch." The nuances of its meaning can depend on the context in which it is used.

It is important to note that sjónast is distinct from the verb að sjá, which means "to see." While related in origin, sjónast carries the sense of something presenting itself to sight or perception, rather than the act of actively looking.