Definition

1. Verb:
   • To glance furtively / to peek: To look quickly and secretly, often with curiosity or caution, typically from a hidden or partially concealed position. The action is brief, stealthy, and sometimes repeated.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ ngấp ngó qua khe cửa. (The child peeked through the door crack.)
  • Anh ta ngấp ngó xem có ai ở nhà không. (He glanced furtively to see if anyone was home.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb often implies a sense of hesitation, shyness, or illicit observation. It is not used for an open, direct gaze.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngó nghiêng (v): to look around, to glance sideways. This can be more obvious than "ngấp ngó."
  • Cô ấy ngó nghiêng tìm chỗ ngồi. (She looked around for a seat.)

Synonyms

• To peek: to look quickly or secretly.
• To glance furtively: to take a quick, stealthy look.
• To sneak a look: to look secretly.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms specifically use "ngấp ngó." The meaning is typically contained within the single verb.