menengok

Menengok is a verb in Indonesian and Malay that means to glance at something briefly or to look over, and can also carry the sense of checking on someone or something by looking. The action is typically short in duration and purposeful rather than a long, sustained look.

Etymologically, menengok comes from the base tengok (to look) with the prefix me-, forming a transitive verb. The nuance of menengok is closer to a quick, casual observation rather than a thorough inspection. It can describe looking toward a place, a person, or an object, or dropping by for a brief moment to check on an condition or situation.

In usage, menengok is common in everyday speech in both Indonesia and Malaysia. It conveys spontaneity or informality, such as looking out a window, glancing toward a door, or visiting someone briefly. Examples: "Dia menengok ke arah pintu," "Saya menengok sebentar di rumah nenek," "Dia menengok ke luar jendela." The expression often implies brevity, a responsive action, or a momentary awareness rather than a sustained gaze.

Compared with synonyms, menengok tends to be less formal than meninjau and more casual than melihat, with a stronger sense of a quick glance or a short visit rather than a comprehensive view. See also: tengok, melihat, meninjau.