taam3 tau4探頭探头
Jyutpingtaam3 tau4
Yaletaam tàuh
Definition
To poke or pop one's head out to look around.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
This verb specifically describes the physical action of extending the head beyond a boundary, such as a doorway, window, or corner. It carries a sense of curiosity or caution, often implying that the person is trying to observe something without fully entering the space. It is frequently used when someone is checking to see if a room is empty or if a specific person is present.
Examples
He poked his head out to see what the weather is like.
Why are you poking your head in to see what I am doing?
Common phrases
to poke one's head out to look
to poke one's head out
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 伸頭, which is a more general term for stretching or extending the head. 探頭 implies a specific intent to peek or investigate, whereas 伸頭 is purely descriptive of the movement.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
