watch
watch — 動詞
1. to direct your eyes toward someone or something that is moving, changing, or doi
觀看；注視
花時間看著變化或移動中的事物
to direct your eyes toward someone or something that is moving, changing, or doing something, and pay attention as things unfold — unlike a quick look, this takes place over some length of time.
Kwame watched the sunset from the hill behind his house.
Kwame 從他家後面的小山上觀看日落。
watch + object (event evolving over time)
The children sat on the floor and watched their favourite cartoon.
孩子們坐在地板上看他們最喜歡的卡通。
Nadia watches the news every evening before dinner.
Nadia 每天晚餐前都會看新聞。
Christopher watched the birds flying over the lake for nearly an hour.
Christopher 看了將近一小時湖上飛翔的鳥。
watch + object + verb-ing (ongoing action)
We sat on a bench and watched the boats on the river.
我們坐在長椅上觀看河上的船隻。
- watch television
- watch a movie
- watch a game
- watch the clock
- watch closely
- watch carefully
- ignore
deliberately not pay attention to something (B1)
文法句型
watch + object (noun/pronoun)
watch + object + verb
watch + for + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'see' (which happens without effort) and 'look at' (which can be a quick glance). 'Watch' always implies paying attention over time, so you watch a movie but you see a friend across the street.
常見錯誤
2. to take temporary charge of a child, an older person, or a possession so that th
照看；看管
短時間照顧以確保安全
to take temporary charge of a child, an older person, or a possession so that they stay out of danger.
Can you watch my bag while I buy a ticket at the counter?
你能不能幫我看一下包包，我要去櫃檯買票？
watch + possession for a short time
Reema watched her neighbour's son for an hour after school.
Reema 放學後幫鄰居照看了一小時的兒子。
Tariq asked his sister to watch the house while he was on holiday.
Tariq 請他妹妹在他出國度假時幫忙看房子。
watch + building / property
Nellie watched the shop while the owner went to lunch.
Nellie 在老闆去吃午飯時幫忙看店。
- watch the children
- watch the house
- watch the bags
- watch the shop
- look after
suggests longer-term care (A2)
- mind
British English; used for children or a shop (B1)
- tend to
more formal; often used with plants or animals (B2)
- neglect
failing to care for something (C1)
文法句型
watch + object (person/thing)
用法筆記
Unlike 'look after' or 'take care of', 'watch' is normally used for short periods. You watch a friend's child for an hour, but you take care of your own child all day.
常見錯誤
3. to pay close attention to a situation so that you notice possible danger, proble
留意；當心
注意可能的危險或問題
to pay close attention to a situation so that you notice possible danger, problems, or changes — for example, watching for icy roads while driving, or watching what you say so you do not offend anyone.
Watch your step — those stairs are very steep and uneven.
走路小心——那些樓梯又陡又不平。
watch + possessive + noun (warning)
Élise watched for any sign of movement in the dark forest.
Élise 在黑暗的森林中留意任何動靜。
watch + for + noun (looking out for)
You should watch what you eat if you want to lose weight.
如果你想減重，就應該注意自己吃了什麼。
Brian watched his language during the job interview and did not use any slang.
Brian 在求職面試時注意措辭，沒有使用任何俚語。
The hikers watched the weather closely before setting off up the mountain.
登山者在出發上山前密切注意天氣變化。
watch + adverb (closely / carefully)
- watch your step
- watch your mouth
- watch for danger
- watch closely
- watch your weight
- watch the time
- be careful of
more general warning; less focused on visual attention (A2)
- be on the lookout for
more idiomatic; suggests active scanning (B2)
- mind
British English; used in warnings like 'mind the gap' (A2)
- disregard
pay no attention to a danger (C1)
文法句型
watch + question word (what/where)
watch + for + noun
watch + object
用法筆記
Common in fixed expressions: 'watch your mouth/tongue' (be careful what you say), 'watch your step' (be careful how you walk or behave), 'watch your weight/health' (monitor something carefully). The 'watch for' pattern means looking out for something that might appear.
常見錯誤
watch out
phrasal verbused as a warning to tell someone to be careful because something dangerous is about to happen.
小心；注意
Watch out! A motorcycle is coming right around the corner.
You need to watch out for icy patches on the road in winter.
watch over
phrasal verbto take care of or protect someone or something, especially when they cannot protect themselves.
守護；照看
The older shepherd watched over the sheep while the younger one went for water.
Nadia's grandmother watched over her every day after school until her parents came home.
watch for
phrasal verbto look carefully and expectantly for someone or something to appear or happen.
留意⋯⋯的出現；警戒
Christopher watched for the postman every morning, hoping for a letter from his sister.
The lifeguards watch for any swimmers who might be in trouble.
watch out for
phrasal verbTo be alert and careful about something or someone dangerous.
提防
Watch out for icy patches on the road this morning.
The hikers were told to watch out for bears in the forest.
watch your step
idiomto be careful about how you behave in a situation that could get you into trouble.
小心行事；謹慎為上
The new manager is strict, so you'd better watch your step around the office.
Joaquín knew he had to watch his step when talking to the angry customer.
watch the clock
idiomto keep looking at the time because you are bored or eager for something to end.
一直看時間（因無聊而盼望結束）
The lecture was so dull that half the students were watching the clock.
Hari hated his summer job and spent the whole day watching the clock.
used to describe an activity that is extremely boring and slow.
極度無聊；比看油漆乾掉還無聊
The board meeting was like watching paint dry — nobody said anything new.
Reema found the documentary as interesting as watching paint dry and fell asleep.
watch this space
idiomused to tell someone to look for more news or information about something soon.
敬請期待；密切關注
We are working on a surprise for our customers — watch this space.
The band promised a new album next year, so fans should watch this space.
to be careful what you say so that you do not offend or upset anyone.
說話小心；注意言辭
You'd better watch your mouth when you talk to the judge.
Eitan told his brother to watch his tongue after the rude comment.
To speak in a polite way that does not upset others.
注意你的措辭
The teacher told the students to mind their language during class.
Watch your language, please; there are children present.
mind/watch your step
idiomTo walk carefully to avoid falling or trouble.
小心腳步
Mind your step on the icy sidewalk this morning.
You should watch your step when dealing with that manager.
watch your back
idiomTo stay alert and protect yourself from danger or harm.
小心背後
In this competitive office, you need to watch your back.
Maya told her brother to watch his back in the new neighborhood.
Time seems to pass slowly when you are waiting for something to happen.
心急水不沸
Stop checking the clock; a watched pot never boils.
Waiting for exam results feels endless, but a watched pot never boils.
watch it
idiomA warning to someone to be careful or stop doing something.
小心點
Watch it! That hot pan will burn your hand.
The driver shouted, "Watch it!" as the cyclist swerved.
To be careful not to say rude or offensive things.
注意你的言辭
Watch your mouth when speaking to your grandmother.
The coach told the player to watch his tongue after the outburst.
watch the time
idiomTo pay attention to the clock so you are not late or finish on time.
注意時間
I need to watch the time; my train leaves at five.
She watched the time carefully during the exam to finish all questions.
To sit and relax while observing people and activity in a public place.
看人來人往
We sat on a bench in the park, watching the world go by.
Diego enjoys watching the world go by from his favorite café.
watch — 名詞
1. a small timekeeping device worn around the wrist on a strap or bracelet, used to
手錶
戴在手腕上的計時器
a small timekeeping device worn around the wrist on a strap or bracelet, used to tell the time.
Joon checked his watch and realised he was late for the meeting.
Joon 看了一下手錶，發現自己開會要遲到了。
check + watch (common collocation)
Ingrid wears a silver watch that her grandmother gave her years ago.
Ingrid 戴著一只銀色手錶，是祖母多年前送給她的。
My watch stopped working, so I need to buy a new battery.
我的手錶停了，需要換一顆新電池。
Hari glanced at his watch during the long lecture and sighed.
Hari 在漫長的課堂上瞄了一眼手錶，嘆了口氣。
glance at + watch (quick look)
Kwame bought a smart watch that tracks his heart rate and steps.
Kwame 買了一只可以追蹤心率和步數的智慧型手錶。
- wear a watch
- check your watch
- look at your watch
- digital watch
- smart watch
- gold watch
- my watch is slow/fast
- wristwatch
more formal or technical term for a watch on your wrist (A2)
- timepiece
formal or old-fashioned term for any clock or watch (C1)
- chronometer
very precise watch; used for scientific or sailing purposes (C2)
文法句型
wear + a watch
look at + watch
check + watch
用法筆記
A watch differs from a clock because you wear it. 'Wristwatch' is a fuller term but less common in everyday speech. 'Pocket watch' is a different kind of watch carried in a pocket.
常見錯誤
2. the act of giving close and ongoing attention to someone or something so that ha
看守；監視
密切注意以防危險或犯罪的活動
the act of giving close and ongoing attention to someone or something so that harm or wrongdoing does not occur.
The police kept a close watch on the empty building all night.
警方整夜密切監視那棟空置的大樓。
keep + watch (collocation)
Soldiers maintained a constant watch at every checkpoint along the border.
士兵們在邊境的每個檢查站持續站崗。
Nellie kept watch while the others searched the room for evidence.
Nellie 負責看守，而其他人則在房間裡尋找證據。
keep watch (stand guard)
The neighbourhood watch organises patrols every evening after dark.
社區守望相助組織每天天黑後安排巡邏。
Mert kept watch from the rooftop while the security team unlocked the back entrance.
Mert 從屋頂上負責看守，而安全小組則打開了後門。
- keep watch
- stand watch
- maintain a watch
- be on watch
- neighbourhood watch
- close watch
- constant watch
- surveillance
formal; systematic observation by authorities (C1)
- lookout
the state of watching for something to happen (B2)
- vigil
staying awake to watch, often for religious or protest purposes (C1)
- negligence
failing to watch or guard properly (C1)
文法句型
keep watch
stand watch
be on watch
用法筆記
Often used in the fixed phrases 'keep watch' (to stay alert and look for danger) and 'be on watch' (to be in the position of guarding). 'Neighbourhood watch' is a community program where residents look out for crime.
常見錯誤
3. an individual or team employed to keep a building, area, or person safe from har
守衛；值班者
負責保護安全的人或群體
an individual or team employed to keep a building, area, or person safe from harm, trespass, or theft.
The night watch made his rounds through the factory every hour.
夜間守衛每小時在工廠巡邏一圈。
The night watch patrols the factory grounds every two hours from dusk until dawn.
夜間守衛隊從黃昏到黎明每隔兩小時巡邏廠區一次。
guard personnel doing rounds
The afternoon watch checked every delivery truck at the factory gate before letting it through.
下午班的警衛在工廠大門檢查每一輛送貨卡車，確認後才放行。
Tariq served on the night watch for two years at the embassy.
Tariq 在大使館擔任了兩年夜間守衛。
- night watch
- coast guard
- watchtower
- change of watch
- the watch
文法句型
the watch + singular/plural verb
用法筆記
When used as a collective noun ('the watch'), it refers to the entire group of guards on duty. 'Night watch' refers specifically to guards working through the night. 'Watchman' is an older term for an individual guard.
4. a scheduled block of hours when a crew member or guard is responsible for safety
值班時段
輪班時段，尤指船上的值勤時間
a scheduled block of hours when a crew member or guard is responsible for safety, most commonly used on ships.
Joaquín was assigned to the first watch, from midnight until four in the morning.
Joaquín 被分配值第一班，從半夜到凌晨四點。
first / second / third watch (nautical system)
Each sailor serves a four-hour watch and then has eight hours off duty.
每位船員值四小時班，然後休息八小時。
During Brian's watch, nothing unusual happened on the ship.
Brian 值班期間，船上沒有發生任何異常情況。
The captain ordered the crew to report for the next watch at six o'clock sharp.
船長命令船員在六點整到下一班崗位報到。
- first watch
- second watch
- night watch
- four-hour watch
- stand watch
- relieve the watch
- shift
general term for any work period (B1)
- duty period
more general and formal (B2)
- dog watch
specific short watch period on a ship (C2)
文法句型
first/second/third watch
during + possessive + watch
watch + ends/begins
用法筆記
On ships, the day is divided into watches of usually four hours each (though some are two-hour dog watches). 'Watch' can also refer to the section of the crew on duty during that period.
常見錯誤
5. the period during which a particular person is responsible for a situation or or
負責時期
某人主管期間，尤用於固定片語
the period during which a particular person is responsible for a situation or organisation and is answerable for what happens.
The company lost three major clients on the previous manager's watch.
那家公司在上一任主管任內流失了三名大客戶。
on + possessive + watch (responsibility)
New factory safety rules were introduced on Kwame's watch as head of security.
新的工廠安全規定是在 Kwame 擔任安全主管期間實施的。
No mistakes were made under Reema's watch, though the team was short-staffed.
在 Reema 負責期間雖然人手不足，但沒有出過差錯。
Not on my watch! the captain shouted when a sailor suggested ignoring the safety drill.
當一名船員建議忽略安全演練時，船長大喊：「絕不能在我的任內發生！」
'not on my watch' (refusal to allow)
- on someone's watch
- under someone's watch
- not on my watch
文法句型
on + possessive + watch
under + possessive + watch
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrases 'on someone's watch' or 'under someone's watch'. Commonly appears in negative contexts — things that went wrong while a person was in charge. 'Not on my watch!' is a common expression meaning 'I will not allow that to happen.'
同根字
- watcher名詞B2
- watchful形容詞B2
- watchfully副詞C1
- watchfulness名詞C1
- wristwatch名詞A2
- watchtower名詞B2
- watchman名詞B2
- stopwatch名詞B1
- watchdog名詞B2