Meaning
To quickly observe or examine something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Al-Nazar' (the gaze) is central to social etiquette. Taking a 'quick look' is often preferred over staring, which is considered 'qillat adab' (lack of manners). In Egypt, the phrase is often replaced by 'Buss' (بص). However, in formal writing or news, 'Alqa Nazrah' is strictly used. In the Gulf, 'Tala'a' (طالع) is very common for 'looking'. 'Alqa Nazrah' is used in business contexts in Dubai or Riyadh to sound professional. Levantine speakers often use 'Shouf' (شوف). Using 'Alqa Nazrah' in a casual setting might make you sound like you are speaking like a news anchor.
Use 'Ala'
Always remember the preposition 'على'. Without it, the phrase sounds like you are throwing a physical object named 'Look'.
Don't use 'Akha'
Avoid saying 'Akha Nazrah' in formal writing. It's a common 'Anglicism' that teachers will correct.
Meaning
To quickly observe or examine something.
Use 'Ala'
Always remember the preposition 'على'. Without it, the phrase sounds like you are throwing a physical object named 'Look'.
Don't use 'Akha'
Avoid saying 'Akha Nazrah' in formal writing. It's a common 'Anglicism' that teachers will correct.
The 'Khatifa' Add-on
Add the word 'Khatifa' (خاطفة) to sound like a native speaker when you are talking about a very quick peek.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form (Present tense for 'He').
هو ____ نظرة على الجريدة كل صباح.
The standard collocation is 'Yulqi Nazrah'.
Which preposition is used with 'يلقي نظرة'?
ألقى المدير نظرة ____ التقرير.
In Arabic, you cast a look 'onto' (على) something.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
أحمد: هل هذا القميص جميل؟ خالد: لا أعرف، دعني ____ عليه.
'Alqi nazrah' is the most natural way to say 'let me check it out'.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English equivalent.
1. ألقى نظرة خاطفة 2. ألقى نظرة فاحصة 3. ألقى نظرة شاملة
'Khatifa' means fleeting, 'Fahisa' means scrutinizing, and 'Shamila' means comprehensive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Look vs. Take a Look
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهو ____ نظرة على الجريدة كل صباح.
The standard collocation is 'Yulqi Nazrah'.
ألقى المدير نظرة ____ التقرير.
In Arabic, you cast a look 'onto' (على) something.
أحمد: هل هذا القميص جميل؟ خالد: لا أعرف، دعني ____ عليه.
'Alqi nazrah' is the most natural way to say 'let me check it out'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Khatifa' means fleeting, 'Fahisa' means scrutinizing, and 'Shamila' means comprehensive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is understood by everyone, but in daily life, people use 'Buss' (Egypt) or 'Shouf' (Levant). Use 'Alqa Nazrah' to sound educated or professional.
Yes, you can 'take a look' at someone to check if they are okay, but be careful not to stare.
The plural is 'Nazarat' (نظرات). You can say 'Alqa nazarat' if you are looking at multiple things.
ألقِ نظرة عليّ (Alqi nazrah 'alayya).
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for office emails and news reports.
No, for TV use 'Mushahada' (مشاهدة). 'Alqa Nazrah' is too short for a TV show.
It can be the first step of an investigation, but it's not the investigation itself.
'Nazar' is the concept of sight; 'Nazrah' is one single act of looking.
You can say 'Cast a glance', which is the closest English equivalent.
In some dialects (like Lebanese), the 'q' becomes a glottal stop (Al'a), but in MSA, it must be pronounced.
Related Phrases
نظرة خاطفة
specialized formA fleeting glance
تمعن في
contrastTo look deeply/scrutinize
استطلع
similarTo scout or survey
بص بصة
informalTake a peek (Egyptian)
ألقى كلمة
builds onTo give a speech
