Beginer question: I don't get a part of a sentence, can anyone explain it?

Japanese Language
1

Hey,
I am quite a beginner and don’t get a part of this sentence used in sample sentences:
ねこたちは、まどの外にいるとりをジーッとみています
Can anyone tell me what is the difference between “ジーッとみています” and just “みています” ? I can understand the sentence as such, but I don’t get what “ジーッと” adds to it.

2

In Japanese, modifiers appear before the word they modify. In this case, 「ジーッと」 is modifying 「見(み)ています」.

There are all kinds of ways that one can 見(み)ています. You can glance briefly, or you can stare intently. You can look longingly, or you can peer deeply. You can give a stern glare.

In this case, the 猫(ねこ)たち are 見(み)ています at the 鳥(とり) in a specific manner. That manner is じーっと.

じーっと is an adverb, meaning the action of the verb is performed motionlessly. So, for looking, this would mean to stare or gaze.

If you read manga or watch anime, you may encounter someone staring with a 「じー…」 sound effect.

3

Thank you. Great explanation.