tau1 tai2偷睇
Jyutpingtau1 tai2
Yaletāu tái
Definition
To peek at, peep at, or spy on something covertly.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Implies a sense of secrecy or guilt, often used when someone is looking at something private or forbidden. It carries a stronger connotation of being sneaky compared to just looking, which is why it is frequently paired with adverbs like 靜靜雞 to emphasize the stealthy nature of the action.
Examples
Why are you peeking at my phone?
He is always peeking at what the person next to him is doing.
Related words
Common phrases
to peek at a mobile phone
to peek at the answers
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simply glancing at something quickly or accidentally. It specifically requires the intent to hide the act of looking from others.
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.
