东张西望

dōng zhāng xī wàng

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Idiom Rare

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Definitions

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

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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.

Grammar

Guides that feature 东张西望

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 5 min

东A西B for “Here and There, All Over”

Use 东张西望 and 东奔西走 to say an action is scattered in many directions or places.

Reading: dōng zhāng xī wàng Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

上课时别 东张西望 。

Don't glance around during class.

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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