Japanese word

覗く

Pronunciation

Romajinozoku

Meaning

  • verbpeek

Example

ドアのすき間から覗きます。do a no su ki ma ka ra nozo ki ma su

I peek through the gap in the door.

Illustration for 覗く (peek)

More examples

私は箱の中を覗いてみます。watashi wa bako no naka o nozo i te mi ma su

I will take a peek inside the box.

Core concept

Describes trying to see what is inside or beyond something through a small opening or from a concealed position.

Common phrases

  • すき間から覗くsu ki ma ka ra nozo ku

    peek through a gap

  • 中を覗くnaka o nozo ku

    peek inside

Similar words

見るmiru: To use the eyes to notice or examine a person, thing, or scene.
覗き込むnozokikomu: To look closely into or through something from a nearby position.
覗き見るnozokimiru: To watch or look at something while trying not to be seen.

Definition in Japanese

すき間や物陰を通して、見えにくいものをそっと見る。su ki ma ya mono kage o tō shi te mi e ni ku i mo no o so tto mi ru

Word origin

覗く (nozoku, "to peek") is a native Japanese verb with an uncertain deeper etymology, so the written form should not be analyzed as a clearly known combination of separate word parts.

Usage tips

  • The Japanese verb 覗く (nozoku, "to peek") is used for limited views, such as a face appearing from behind a door or the moon showing between clouds.

Word lists with this word