Meaning
To take a quick look or glance at something or someone.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Nazrah' (a look) is often associated with the 'first look' being permissible and the 'second look' (staring) being discouraged in religious contexts. In Egyptian markets (Souks), saying 'أنا بلقي نظرة' is a polite way to tell persistent vendors you aren't ready to buy yet. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is often used with 'waw' to mean 'take a look-see' (لقي نظرة وشوف). In professional Gulf environments, 'إلقاء نظرة' is the standard polite request for a superior to review a document.
Use it for Browsing
When entering a shop, say 'ألقي نظرة' to keep the staff from hovering over you.
Preposition Alert
Never forget 'على' (ala). Using 'في' (fi) is a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To take a quick look or glance at something or someone.
Use it for Browsing
When entering a shop, say 'ألقي نظرة' to keep the staff from hovering over you.
Preposition Alert
Never forget 'على' (ala). Using 'في' (fi) is a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Add 'Sari'ah'
Adding 'سريعة' (quick) makes you sound very native when asking for a favor: 'ألقِ نظرة سريعة'.
Politeness
It's more polite than the command 'شوف' (Shuf/Look) in professional settings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
ألقى المدير نظرة ____ التقرير.
The idiom 'ألقى نظرة' always takes the preposition 'على'.
Choose the correct imperative form for a female friend.
يا سارة، ____ نظرة على هذه الصورة.
For a female (anti), the 'ya' is retained in the imperative of a defective verb.
Complete the dialogue in a store.
البائع: هل تريد مساعدة؟ المشتري: لا شكراً، أنا فقط ____.
'ألقي نظرة' is the standard way to say 'I'm just browsing'.
Which phrase is best for a quick check of an email?
Someone asks you to check their email draft.
'ألقِ نظرة سريعة' implies a quick review which is appropriate for an email draft.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Look vs. Take a Look
When to use 'Alqa Nazrah'
Quick
- • Emails
- • Menus
- • Phones
Polite
- • Shopping
- • Feedback
- • Visiting
Practice Bank
4 exercisesألقى المدير نظرة ____ التقرير.
The idiom 'ألقى نظرة' always takes the preposition 'على'.
يا سارة، ____ نظرة على هذه الصورة.
For a female (anti), the 'ya' is retained in the imperative of a defective verb.
البائع: هل تريد مساعدة؟ المشتري: لا شكراً، أنا فقط ____.
'ألقي نظرة' is the standard way to say 'I'm just browsing'.
Someone asks you to check their email draft.
'ألقِ نظرة سريعة' implies a quick review which is appropriate for an email draft.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, use 'شاهد' (shahada) for movies. 'ألقى نظرة' is for very short durations.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though local versions like 'خد بَصّة' exist in Egypt.
The plural is 'Nazarat' (نظرات). You can say 'ألقى نظرات' if someone is looking repeatedly.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for both a boss and a friend.
ألقِ نظرة عليّ (Alqi nazrah 'alayya).
It can be used that way, but it's generally more about objects or documents.
'Nazar' is the verb 'to look'. 'Alqa Nazrah' is the idiom 'to take a look'.
No, it's very polite if you use the 'Tafaddal' (Please) before it.
Yes, in a metaphorical sense, like 'taking a look at the issue'.
No, it's the opposite of staring. It's a quick glance.
نحن نلقي نظرة (Nahnu nulqi nazrah).
Yes, 'ألقيتُ نظرة' (I took a look).
Yes, it's very common when sending links or photos.
Use 'ألقِ نظرة فاحصة' (Take a scrutinizing look).
Related Phrases
ألقى نظرة خاطفة
specialized formTo take a fleeting glimpse
ألقى كلمة
similarTo give a speech
تمعّن في
contrastTo look deeply/scrutinize
غض البصر
contrastTo lower the gaze
استعرض
builds onTo review or survey
