ちらっと見る (chiratto miru - to glance at)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This expression combines the onomatopoeic adverb ちらっと (chiratto), which describes a quick, momentary action, with the verb 見る (miru), meaning 'to see' or 'to look'. It specifically conveys the act of seeing something very briefly or fleetingly, often unintentionally or quickly. ちらっと modifies 見る, indicating the manner of the action.
Sample sentences
電車の中で、隣の席の人が読んでいた本をちらっと見た。
On the train, I glanced at the book the person next to me was reading.
彼女は彼に気づかないふりをして、ちらっと見ただけだった。
She pretended not to notice him and just gave a quick glance.
会議中に上司が時計をちらっと見るのが気になった。
During the meeting, I noticed my boss briefly glancing at the clock.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
電車の中で、隣の席の人が読んでいた本をちらっと見た。
On the train, I glanced at the book the person next to me was reading.
彼女は彼に気づかないふりをして、ちらっと見ただけだった。
She pretended not to notice him and just gave a quick glance.
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