tiu3眺
Jyutpingtiu3
Yaletiu
Definition
To look into the distance.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This character is primarily a literary morpheme used in formal or descriptive contexts rather than casual speech. It almost always appears as part of a compound word like 眺望, as using it as a standalone verb sounds overly poetic or archaic in daily life. Learners should stick to common verbs like 望 or 睇 when describing the act of looking in everyday conversation.
Examples
He is standing on the mountaintop looking into the distance.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual settings, as it will sound like you are reading from a classical text or a formal news report. It is not a substitute for the common verb 睇.
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.
