KanjiJLPT N1
Peek

peep, peek, come in sight

Mnemonic

The director is supposed to wait to see the final set design at the unveiling, but curiosity overwhelms him. He sneaks backstage, pressing one eye to a crack in the curtain to peek at the surprise. The director just can't help himself—he has to see it early!
Additional thoughts
Picture a famous director crouching behind a heavy stage curtain, one eye pressed to a slit. His desperate need to see the secret set before anyone else perfectly captures the furtive, covert nature of peeking.
Quick recall
The director can't wait to see, so he takes a secret peek through the curtain.

Details

The keyword for 覗 is peek. This kanji refers to the act of looking at something furtively or stealthily, often by peering through a narrow opening or from a hidden vantage point. It carries the nuance of sneaking a glance at something one is not supposed to see, such as peeking through a keyhole or peering into a room. The character conveys a sense of curiosity mixed with secrecy, suggesting a quick or covert observation rather than an open, direct gaze.
On'yomi
Kun'yomi
のぞ.く、うかが.う

Used in vocab