ciu4瞧
Jyutpingciu4
Yalechìuh
Definition
To look; to see.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Although 瞧 is widely understood in Hong Kong due to the influence of Mandarin and regional dialects, it is not the standard word for 'to look' in everyday Cantonese. Native speakers almost exclusively use 睇 or 望 in casual conversation. Using 瞧 can sound slightly affected, literary, or like someone is intentionally mimicking a non-Cantonese speaking style.
Examples
He always likes to stare at people.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 瞧 because it appears in textbooks or media, but it is not part of the natural, colloquial lexicon. Stick to 睇 for general looking and 望 for staring or looking towards a direction to sound like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
