Meaning and Usage
The verb 瞪 (dèng) primarily means to open one's eyes wide, often with an intense or angry gaze. It usually implies staring fixedly, sometimes with disapproval, surprise, or fear.
Common Contexts
- Expressing anger or displeasure by glaring at someone.
- Describing a startled or frightened reaction where eyes open wide.
- Intense focus or concentration, such as staring at a screen or object.
Collocations and Patterns
- 瞪眼 (dèng yǎn): to glare or stare with wide-open eyes, often used to describe anger or shock.
- 瞪大眼睛 (dèng dà yǎnjing): to open eyes wide, emphasizing the size of the eyes, often from surprise or fear.
- 瞪着 + object: to stare fixedly at something or someone.
Nuances
Using 瞪 often conveys a stronger, more intense gaze than simply 看 (to look) or 看着 (to be looking). It can carry negative emotions like anger or suspicion, but also surprise or fear depending on context. Avoid confusing 瞪 with 盯 (dīng), which also means to stare but is more neutral and less emotionally charged.
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This word is common in spoken and written Chinese, suitable for informal and formal contexts when describing eye expressions or reactions.