taam3 ting1探聽探听
Jyutpingtaam3 ting1
Yaletaam tīng
Definition
To find out information indirectly, discreetly, or secretly.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Implies a sense of curiosity or caution, often involving asking around or observing rather than asking directly. It carries a slightly sneaky or investigative nuance that distinguishes it from simply asking for information. It is frequently used when someone is trying to gauge a situation or someone's hidden intentions without revealing their own interest.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to fish for information
to sound someone out
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 問, which is a direct and neutral way to ask a question. Using 探聽 suggests you are trying to get information without the other person necessarily knowing your true motive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
