ci3 taam3刺探
Jyutpingci3 taam3
Yalechi taam
Definition
To spy on; to observe or probe furtively to gather information.
neutraldaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation of being intrusive or sneaky. It is more formal than common verbs like 偷睇 or 查探, often implying a deliberate, calculated effort to uncover secrets or sensitive information that the other party wants to keep hidden.
Examples
He is always spying on my privacy.
Why are you spying on my whereabouts?
Related words
Common phrases
to spy on military intelligence
to pry into someone's privacy
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, innocent contexts like checking on a friend's status, as it implies malicious intent or a violation of boundaries.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
