覗く

• Reading: のぞく
• Romaji: nozoku
• Kanji breakdown: 覗 (nozoku) — peek, peep, look in
• Pronunciation: /no.zo.kɯ/

Meaning

To peek; to look in; to peer into. To glance at something partially hidden or to visit briefly.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the く row. Describes looking at something by peeking through an opening, glancing from the side, or briefly visiting a place. Common patterns: 窓から覗く (peek through a window), ちょっと覗く (drop by briefly). Can have a slightly secretive or curious nuance. Not to be confused with 除く (nozoku, to exclude).

Examples

1. 窓から隣の庭を覗いてみた。 I peeked at the neighbor's garden through the window.
2. 帰り道に新しくできた店を覗くことにした。 On my way home, I decided to pop into a newly opened store.
3. 望遠鏡を覗くと星がきれいに見えた。 When I looked through the telescope, I could see the stars beautifully.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, curiosity, shopping

Tone: casual

Origin & History

The kanji 覗 combines 見 (to see) and 司 (to oversee), suggesting looking carefully or observing from a vantage point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal