东张西望

dōng zhāng xī wàng

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Rare

Definitions

1. to look in all directions (idiom)
2. to glance around

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 目不斜视 mù bù xié shì 目不斜视 mù bù xié shì not to glance sideways (idiom) 目不斜视表示专心，与东张西望相反。: not to glance sideways (idiom)

Synonyms

1 item

• 左顾右盼 zuǒ gù yòu pàn 左顾右盼 zuǒ gù yòu pàn glancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around 左顾右盼也指东张西望，形容向四周看。: glancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with verbs like 别 (don't) to form negative imperatives, e.g., 别东张西望。

Formality

Primarily used in spoken or informal contexts; may sound awkward in formal writing.

Example Sentences

1 shown

上课时别 东张西望 。

Don't glance around during class.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 东张西望

• 张 张 zhāng: to open up
• 望 望 wàng: full moon
• 东 东 dōng: east
• 西 西 xī: the West