Usage of 盯 (dīng)
盯 means to watch something or someone attentively and continuously, often with focus or suspicion. It is commonly used when someone is observing closely to catch details or monitor behavior.
Common contexts
盯 is often used in situations involving surveillance, careful observation, or intense focus, such as watching a screen, monitoring a person, or staring at an object.
Collocations and patterns
- 盯着 + object: to keep watching something intently.
- 盯上 + person/object: to fixate on or target someone or something, often with a sense of suspicion or intent.
Nuances
Using 盯 implies a sustained and focused gaze, sometimes with an emotional undertone like suspicion, curiosity, or desire. It is stronger than just 看 (kàn), which means to look or see.
Common confusion
盯 is different from 瞪 (dèng), which means to glare angrily. 盯 is neutral or focused, not necessarily angry.