# 左顾右盼

zuǒ gù yòu pàn

Look around from side to side

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Look left and glance right

**Traditional Chinese:** 左顧右盼

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe searching, distraction, or hesitant observation.

Not always indecisive; can be a literal search.

## Understanding the expression

The eyes turn in both directions instead of resting on one point. The expression can simply describe looking around for a person or a familiar sign. In another context it suggests distraction, anxiety, or waiting for something to happen. The movement alone does not establish a motive. A clear sentence explains what the person hopes to see, making the difference between a practical search and restless inattention easier to understand.

## Examples

他在站口左顾右盼，寻找朋友。

### Traditional Chinese

他在站口左顧右盼，尋找朋友。

tā zài zhàn kǒu zuǒ gù yòu pàn ， xún zhǎo péng yǒu 。

He looked around at the station entrance for his friend.

孩子上课左顾右盼，没听讲。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子上課左顧右盼，沒聽講。

hái zi shàng kè zuǒ gù yòu pàn ， méi tīng jiǎng 。

The child looked around during class instead of listening.

她左顾右盼，等出租车。

### Traditional Chinese

她左顧右盼，等出租車。

tā zuǒ gù yòu pàn ， děng chū zū chē 。

She looked around while waiting for a taxi.

别左顾右盼，注意脚下台阶。

### Traditional Chinese

別左顧右盼，注意腳下臺階。

bié zuǒ gù yòu pàn ， zhù yì jiǎo xià tái jiē 。

Stop looking around and watch the steps underfoot.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B7%A6%E9%A1%A7%E5%8F%B3%E7%9B%BC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=963&webMd=1&la=0)

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