东张西望

東張西望

dōngzhāng-xīwàng

idiom HSK 7-9 #31,176

Meanings

Peering east and gazing west - looking all around.

HSK 2

他东张西望，好像在找什么人。

Tā dōngzhāng-xīwàng, hǎoxiàng zài zhǎo shénme rén.

He looked around, as if searching for someone.

HSK 2

上课的时候不要东张西望。

Shàngkè de shíhou bùyào dōngzhāng-xīwàng.

Don't look around during class.

usage

Often implies restlessness, nervousness, or not paying attention. Can have a slightly negative tone (being distracted or acting suspiciously).

东 dōng

张 zhāng

西 xī

望 wàng