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    ちらっと見える (chiratto mieru - to be visible momentarily)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase combines the onomatopoeic/mimetic adverb 'ちらっと' (chiratto), which describes something appearing or being seen briefly and fleetingly, with the intransitive verb '見える' (mieru), meaning 'to be visible' or 'to be seen'. The combination emphasizes the momentary and often unintentional nature of the visibility, suggesting a quick flash or a brief glimpse.

    Sample sentences

    人混みの中に友人の顔がちらっと見えた。

    I caught a glimpse of my friend's face in the crowd.

    カーテンの隙間から、月がちらっと見えた。

    The moon was momentarily visible through a gap in the curtains.

    その時、彼の目に悲しみがちらっと見えた。

    At that moment, a hint of sadness was momentarily visible in his eyes.

    Quick facts

    verb_type:'見える' is a potential form of '見る' (miru - to see) or an inherent potential verb meaning 'to be visible naturally or unintentionally', distinct from '見られる' (mirareru - can be seen, or to be seen by someone).
    onomatopoeia:'ちらっと' is a common mimetic word (giongo/gitaigo) used to describe a quick, fleeting action or state, often related to sight.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    人混みの中に友人の顔がちらっと見えた。

    I caught a glimpse of my friend's face in the crowd.

    カーテンの隙間から、月がちらっと見えた。

    The moon was momentarily visible through a gap in the curtains.

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