J'apercevais (en. I saw)

/ʒ‿a.pɛʁ.sə.vɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

To begin to see or understand something.

I noticed a slight movement in the dim light.

J'apercevais un léger mouvement dans la pénombre.

To briefly grasp an image or idea.

As I walked, I noticed an old building.

Alors que je marchais, j'apercevais un vieux bâtiment.

To perceive something that is located at a distance.

From the hill, I could see the sea in the distance.

De la colline, j'apercevais la mer au loin.

The verb "apercevoir" derives from the Latin "apercipere," formed from "ad" (towards) and "capere" (to take).

to catch a glimpse of a ray of light

to see a small space of light in the dark.

apercevoir un rayon de lumière

to see in the distance

to see something that is far away.

apercevoir au loin

not to notice

not to see or to be unaware of something.

ne pas apercevoir

to notice

to see something briefly or at a distance.

apercevoir

to perceive

to grasp an impression or a sensation.

percevoir

to notice

to pay attention to something.

remarquer

to distinguish

to see or understand the difference between two things.

distinguer

To spot quickly

I spotted the bar at the corner of the street.

J'ai aperçu le bar au coin de la rue.

To realize something

He noticed that he had forgotten his keys.

Il s'est aperçu qu'il avait oublié ses clés.