tai2 sat6睇實睇实
Jyutpingtai2 sat6
Yaletái sath
Definition
(verb) to keep eyes on; take care
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Implies a sense of responsibility or vigilance, often used when there is a risk of something going wrong or someone getting into trouble. It carries a stronger nuance of active supervision compared to just looking at something. You will often hear it used when someone is asked to guard an object or monitor a person's behavior.
Examples
nei5 bong1 ngo5 tai2 sat6 go3 fo2 ngo5 heoi3 lo2 di1 je5
你幫我睇實個火，我去攞啲嘢。
Please watch the stove for me, I'm going to get something.
keoi5 seng4 jat6 dou1 m4 teng1 waa6 nei5 jiu3 tai2 sat6 keoi5 aa4
佢成日都唔聽話，你要睇實佢呀。
He never listens, you need to keep a close eye on him.
Related words
Common phrases
tai2 sat6 go3 mun4 hau2
睇實個門口
keep an eye on the entrance
tai2 sat6 go3 sai3 lou6
睇實個細路
watch over the child
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 睇住, which can also mean to watch or look after but is broader and can simply mean to look at something for a moment. 睇實 specifically emphasizes the continuous, focused attention required to prevent an unwanted outcome.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
