东张西望
东张西望 (dōng zhāng xī wàng) literally means “east stretch west gaze” and expresses “look around nervously or suspiciously”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: dong zhang xi wang, dong zhang xi wang,东张西望 meaning, 东张西望 in english
Look around nervously or suspiciously
Pronunciation: dōng zhāng xī wàng Literal meaning: East stretch west gaze
Origin & Usage
Han Dynasty court observers first noted this revealing behavior of looking anxiously east (东张) and west (西望) as a sign of concealed intentions. The cardinal directions created a comprehensive image of someone unable to maintain composure, constantly checking their surroundings. Modern usage describes that particular type of nervous surveillance that betrays underlying anxiety.
Examples
English: "The nervous visitor kept looking around anxiously during the interview"
Chinese: 紧张的访客在面试期间不断东张西望
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Learn more →
一模一样
yī mú yī yàng
Exactly identical
Learn more →
以心换心
yǐ xīn huàn xīn
Treat others as yourself
Learn more →
海纳百川
hǎi nà bǎi chuān
Accept all with open mind
Learn more →
以和为贵
yǐ hé wéi guì
Value harmony above all
Learn more →
同舟共济
tóng zhōu gòng jì
Face challenges together
Learn more →
风雨同舟
fēng yǔ tóng zhōu
Share hardships together
Learn more →
春风化雨
chūn fēng huà yǔ
Gentle, nurturing influence
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 东张西望 mean in English?
东张西望 (dōng zhāng xī wàng) literally translates to “East stretch west gaze” and is used to express “Look around nervously or suspiciously”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 东张西望 used?
Situation: The nervous visitor kept looking around anxiously during the interview
What is the pinyin for 东张西望?
The pinyin pronunciation for 东张西望 is “dōng zhāng xī wàng”.