si6視视
Jyutpingsi6
Yalesih
Definition
To look at, watch, or regard.
neutraldaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal morpheme in compound words rather than a standalone verb in daily speech. Native speakers almost exclusively use 睇 or 望 for the act of looking, reserving 視 for specific formal, legal, or literary contexts. It frequently appears in abstract concepts related to vision or perception, such as 視線 or 忽視.
Examples
He acts as if he doesn't see me, completely ignoring me.
The government will send people to inspect that construction site.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 視 as a direct replacement for 睇 in casual conversation. Saying 視電視 instead of 睇電視 sounds unnatural and overly stiff, similar to using archaic or academic vocabulary in a casual chat.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
