pit3瞥
Jyutpingpit3
Yalepit
Definition
To glance quickly; to take a brief look.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
This verb describes a very brief, often involuntary or surreptitious action of the eyes. It is significantly more literary than the common spoken verb 望, which is the default way to say look. You will encounter it more often in written narratives or descriptive speech rather than in casual, everyday instructions.
Examples
What did you just glance at?
Related words
Common phrases
to take a glance
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for staring or watching, but it strictly implies a fleeting, momentary action. It cannot be used for prolonged observation or looking at something with 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.
