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    時計をちらっと見る (to glance at the clock)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This expression uses the object particle 'を (o)' to mark '時計 (tokei - clock)' as the direct object of the verb '見る (miru - to see/look)'. The adverb 'ちらっと (chiratto)' modifies '見る', indicating a quick, momentary action. It literally means 'to look briefly at the clock'.

    Sample sentences

    会議中、彼は何度も時計をちらっと見た。

    During the meeting, he glanced at the clock many times.

    彼女は退屈そうに、さりげなく時計をちらっと見た。

    She, looking bored, casually glanced at the clock.

    試験終了まであとわずかだと気づき、皆一斉に時計をちらっと見た。

    Realizing there was little time left until the exam finished, everyone simultaneously glanced at the clock.

    Quick facts

    verb_form:見る is in its dictionary form here, but can be conjugated (e.g., 見た - glanced, 見ます - will glance, 見ている - is glancing).
    adverbial_usage:ちらっと is an onomatopoeic adverb (giseigo/gitaigo) describing a quick, brief action, often used for visual perception. It conveys a sense of speed and fleetingness.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    会議中、彼は何度も時計をちらっと見た。

    During the meeting, he glanced at the clock many times.

    彼女は退屈そうに、さりげなく時計をちらっと見た。

    She, looking bored, casually glanced at the clock.

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