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March 24, 2026
瞻zhān(zhan1)
The character 瞻 (zhān) primarily means 'to gaze' or 'to look out for.' It often conveys a sense of reverence or respect when viewing something significant, and can also imply the act of observing with careful attention. This character is commonly used in literary or formal contexts, particularly when discussing admiration or contemplation.
Strokes18Radical目Frequency#40397DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of gazing or observing is often associated with respect and mindfulness, especially in the context of nature or historical sites. The character reflects the cultural value placed on contemplation and appreciation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise person (the radical 目, meaning 'eye') gazing towards the horizon, symbolizing foresight and respect. The sound 'zhān' can be remembered as 'John' gazing thoughtfully out to sea, embodying the essence of observing something important.
Meanings of 瞻
zhān(zhan1)
1to gaze
2to view
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 瞻
瞻Simplified
18Strokes
目Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#40397Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瞻
Podcast: 瞻
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AI Study Notes for 瞻
Quick Contrast
瞩 (zhǔ) - use 瞻 when emphasizing reverence or respect in observation, while 瞩 focuses more on noticing or paying attention.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise person (the radical 目, meaning 'eye') gazing towards the horizon, symbolizing foresight and respect. The sound 'zhān' can be remembered as 'John' gazing thoughtfully out to sea, embodying the essence of observing something important.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 瞻 with similar characters like 看 (kàn, to see) or 望 (wàng, to gaze), which are more general. 瞻 carries a more formal tone, so it's suitable for literary or respectful contexts. Be mindful of using it in appropriate situations to convey admiration.
HSK Study Tips
While 瞻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters related to viewing and observing, such as 看 (kàn) and 望 (wàng). Students at higher levels should focus on its nuanced meaning and usage in formal speech or writing.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of gazing or observing is often associated with respect and mindfulness, especially in the context of nature or historical sites. The character reflects the cultural value placed on contemplation and appreciation.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 瞻 in casual contexts where 看 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我瞻电影' (I gaze at the movie) instead of '我看电影' (I watch the movie) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瞻
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Grammar Patterns of 瞻
瞻 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 3 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 1
Complete the Sentence
他____望自己身后空无一物, 他属于过时的品种.
He saw nothing beyond himself along the branch. His kind was obsolete.
Example Sentences for 瞻 (1)
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1
他瞻望自己身后空无一物, 他属于过时的品种.
tā zhān wàng zì jǐ shēn hòu kōng wú yī wù, , tā shǔ yú guò shí de pǐn.
He saw nothing beyond himself along the branch. His kind was obsolete.
Cultural Notes for 瞻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of gazing or observing is often associated with respect and mindfulness, especially in the context of nature or historical sites. The character reflects the cultural value placed on contemplation and appreciation.
Word Family of 瞻
Words Containing This Character10
前瞻性farsightedness
瞻仰zhānyǎngto revere
高瞻远瞩acute foresight高瞻遠矚
瞻zhānto gaze
前瞻prescient
瞻前顾后to look forward and back瞻前顧後
马首是瞻to follow blindly (idiom)馬首是瞻
瞻望to look far ahead
朱瞻基Zhu Zhanji, personal name of fifth Ming emperor Xuande 宣德[Xuāndé]
瞻拜to worship
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 前瞻性 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瞻
No, 瞻 is more often found in literary or formal contexts rather than in casual conversation.
Not exactly; while all three relate to viewing, 瞻 has a more reverent connotation.
Phrases like 瞻仰 (zhān yǎng, to pay respect) or 瞻前顾后 (zhān qián gù hòu, to look ahead and behind) are examples.