1.
to stare at; to gaze fixedly at; to watch intently
To look at something or someone with a steady, unmoving gaze for an extended period, often with concentration, curiosity, or intensity.
Combines the adverb じっと (motionlessly, fixedly) with 見る (to look). The expression emphasizes a sustained, unwavering gaze. じっと itself means "still, without moving" and appears in many other combinations.
RELATED PATTERNS WITH じっと:
- じっとする — to stay still, to not move
- じっと我慢する — to endure patiently without reacting
- じっと待つ — to wait patiently without moving
- じっと耐える — to endure stoically
Similar words
- 見つめる — to gaze at, to stare (single verb; more romantic or emotional nuance)
- 凝視する — to stare intently (formal/literary)
- じろじろ見る — to stare rudely, to ogle (negative nuance; implies impoliteness)
- ちらちら見る — to glance repeatedly (furtive, quick looks)
Usage
じっと見る is neutral in tone — it can describe concentration, fascination, worry, or deep thought. Whether the staring is rude or not depends on context, unlike じろじろ見る which is always negative.