ngấp ngó
Definition
- 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.