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March 24, 2026
睹dǔ(du3)
The character 睹 (dǔ) means 'to observe' or 'to see.' It is often used in contexts where careful or attentive observation is required, such as watching a performance or examining details. This character has a slightly literary or formal tone compared to more common terms for seeing.
Strokes13Radical目Frequency#21579DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of observing can hold significant importance in various contexts, such as traditional practices of meditation or in the appreciation of art, where careful observation is valued for deeper understanding.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person peering through a keyhole to observe something secretive. The radical '目' (eye) suggests seeing, while '土' (earth) can remind you of looking at something grounded and real. Together, they form the idea of careful observation.
Meanings of 睹
dǔ(du3)
1to observe
2to see
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 睹
睹Simplified
13Strokes
目Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#21579Frequency Rank
Podcast: 睹
Podcast: 睹
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AI Study Notes for 睹
Quick Contrast
看 (kàn) vs 见 (jiàn) — use 睹 for a more literary or formal context of observing, whereas 看 is more casual and common, and 见 implies simply seeing without the nuance of observation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person peering through a keyhole to observe something secretive. The radical '目' (eye) suggests seeing, while '土' (earth) can remind you of looking at something grounded and real. Together, they form the idea of careful observation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 睹 with simpler characters like 看 (kàn), which means 'to look' in a more casual sense. 睹 is more formal and might be used in written language or literature. It often collocates with other words that imply scrutiny or analysis, such as '观察' (guānchá) meaning 'to observe.'
HSK Study Tips
While 睹 is not included in HSK levels, learners should connect it with related verbs of perception, such as 看 (kàn) and 见 (jiàn). Focus on the nuances of observation that 睹 implies, which may enhance your understanding of context in advanced vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of observing can hold significant importance in various contexts, such as traditional practices of meditation or in the appreciation of art, where careful observation is valued for deeper understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 睹 in casual contexts where 看 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我睹电影' (wǒ dǔ diànyǐng) instead of '我看电影' (wǒ kàn diànyǐng) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 睹
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Grammar Patterns of 睹
睹 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我们目____了一家人正在收拾家当准备离开的凄惨景象。
We encountered the pathetic sight of a family packing up its home.
Example Sentences for 睹 (8)
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1
我们目睹了一家人正在收拾家当准备离开的凄惨景象。
wǒ mén mù dǔ le yī jiā rén zhèng zài shōu shí jiā dāng zhǔn bèi lí kāi de qī cǎn jǐng xiàng。
We encountered the pathetic sight of a family packing up its home.
2
这一描述似乎与我们目睹的情况不符。
zhè yī miáo shù sì hū yǔ wǒ mén mù dǔ de qíng kuàng bù fú。
This description didn't seem to tally with what we saw.
3
他觉得在目睹行刑前还要上酒让人很不舒服。
tā jué dé zài mù dǔ háng xíng qián huán yào shàng jiǔ ràng rén hěn bù shū fú。
He found it distasteful to be offered drinks before witnessing the execution.
4
他所目睹的那一幕永久性地影响了他的神智。
tā suǒ mù dǔ de nà yī mù yǒng jiǔ xìng dì yǐng xiǎng le tā de shén zhì。
His reason had been permanently affected by what he had witnessed.
The film contains moments of almost unbearable poignancy.
8
我亲眼目睹这场屠杀,真吓得毛发倒竖.
wǒ qīn yǎn mù dǔ zhè cháng tú shā, , zhēn xià dé máo fā dǎo.
I'm really terrified to witness the slaughter.
Cultural Notes for 睹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of observing can hold significant importance in various contexts, such as traditional practices of meditation or in the appreciation of art, where careful observation is valued for deeper understanding.
Word Family of 睹
Words Containing This Character11
目睹mùdǔto witness
睹dǔto see
惨不忍睹appalling scenes of devastation慘不忍睹
有目共睹sth speaks for itself
亲眼目睹to see for oneself親眼目睹
熟视无睹to ignore熟視無睹
视若无睹to turn a blind eye to視若無睹
先睹为快joy of first experience (idiom)先睹為快
耳闻目睹ěrwénmùdǔto witness personally耳聞目睹
睹物思人seeing an object makes one miss its owner (idiom)
重睹天日to see the light again (idiom); delivered from oppression
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 目睹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 睹
No, 睹 is more formal and often found in written texts rather than casual speech.
Yes, synonyms include 观察 (guānchá) and 看 (kàn), but 睹 tends to imply a more careful observation.
Not exactly; while both involve seeing, 睹 suggests a more deliberate or attentive act of observation.
