kwai1 cak1窺測窥测
Jyutpingkwai1 cak1
Yalekwāi chāk
Definition
To spy on, peep, or surreptitiously observe in order to guess or size up a situation.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation of being sneaky, intrusive, or violating someone's personal space. It is rarely used for innocent looking or casual observation. The term often implies a deliberate attempt to uncover secrets or private information that is not meant for public view.
Examples
He is peeping through the door crack to see what is happening inside.
Related words
Common phrases
to secretly observe movements
Common mistake
Avoid using this for casual looking or watching, such as watching a movie or observing scenery, as it implies malicious or secretive intent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
