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Kotomora

窺

lie in wait, spy on, reconnoiter

StatusJinmeiyōStrokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • キ

Kun'yomi

  • うかが.う
  • のぞく

Meaning

窺 centers on observing secretly or from a hidden position: lying in wait to watch, spying on someone, or reconnoitering an area without being seen.

Most common words using 窺

  • 窺ううかがう

    to peep (through); to peek; to examine (esp. covertly)

  • チャンスを窺うチャンスをうかがう

    to wait for an opportunity

  • 窺知きち

    inference; deduction; figuring out; understanding; knowing

  • 管を以て天を窺うくだをもっててんをうかがう

    to have a narrow view of things; to look at the sky through a tube

  • 管窺かんき

    narrow insight; narrow view

Explore all words using 窺 →

Study

Etymology

窺 combines 穴 (hole, cave) with 規, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of observing or measuring. The compound suggests peering through a hole or from a hidden place to watch.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 穴 is a hole or cave. The bottom 規 suggests a rule or standard. Imagine someone hiding in a cave, peering through a small hole to spy on others and measure their movements according to a secret plan.

Reading mnemonic

For キ, picture a spy lying in wait with a key to a hidden room: key -> キ, and they use the key to unlock a vantage point for spying.