hon1看

Jyutpinghon1

Yalehōn

動詞Very common

Definition

To keep an eye on, watch, or look after something to prevent it from being taken.

colloquialdaily actions

How it's used

While standard Chinese uses 看 for general seeing or looking, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 睇 for those actions. When you hear 看 in a Cantonese context, it is specifically used in the sense of guarding, monitoring, or keeping watch over someone or something. It often implies a sense of responsibility or duty to ensure safety or prevent theft.

Related words

see alsotai2睇táisee alsomong6望mongh

Common phrases

tai2睇zyu6住

to watch over

tai2睇mun4門hau2口

to keep watch at the door

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use 看 for general looking, which sounds unnatural or overly formal to native speakers. Always use 睇 for general visual perception, and reserve 看 specifically for the sense of guarding or keeping watch.