觇 (chān) - To spy & to observe secretly

觇Tone 1

chān ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

觇 · chān

To spy;

to observe secretly;

to reconnoiter;

to peep.

To spyto observe secretlyto reconnoiter

Usage highlights

to spy on the enemyto observe secretlyto reconnoiter and reportto peep atto observe the situationto watch for an opportunity

Synonyms

  • 窥— to peep; to spy
  • 探— to explore; to investigate
  • 侦— to detect; to scout

Antonyms

  • 显— to show; to display (opposite of secret observation)
  • 露— to expose; to reveal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The scout went to spy on the enemy (觇敌).
  • He peeped through the keyhole (从锁孔觇视).
  • The detective observed the suspect's movements (侦探觇探嫌疑人的动向).

Collocations

  • to spy on the enemy(觇敌)
  • to observe secretly(觇视)
  • to reconnoiter and report(觇报)
  • to peep at(觇窥)
  • to observe the situation(觇势)
  • to watch for an opportunity(觇机)

Idioms

  • To spy on the enemy's situation(觇敌观变)
  • To secretly observe and report(觇视密报)
  • To watch for an opportunity to act(觇机而动)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally used in military and strategic contexts for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts describing espionage and observation tactics.
  • The character reflects traditional Chinese military strategy emphasizing knowledge of the enemy.

FAQ