HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical 见, rank #29350, Medium
览
lǎn
to view
HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical 见, rank #29350, Medium
览
lǎn
to read
HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical 见, rank #29350, Medium
览
lǎn
to look over, to inspect, to view, to perceive
HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical 见, rank #29350, Medium
lǎn(lan3)lan T3
1to look at
2to view
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March 24, 2026
览(覽)lǎn(lan3)
The character 览 (lǎn) means 'to look at' or 'to view.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone inspects or reads something, such as looking over documents or viewing art. This character often conveys a sense of careful observation or examination.
Strokes9Radical见Frequency#29350DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 览 is often associated with appreciation of art and literature, emphasizing the value placed on careful observation and understanding, especially in traditional settings like museums or during literary readings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing on a high cliff, looking down at a vast landscape. The character 览 resembles a person gazing out (the horizontal line at the top is like the horizon), and the 'l' sound in 'lǎn' can remind you of 'land' as they survey the land below.
Meanings of 览
lǎn(lan3)
1to look at
2to view
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About 览
览Simplified
覽Traditional
9Strokes
见Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#29350Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 览
Podcast: 览
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AI Study Notes for 览
Quick Contrast
观 (guān) - use 览 (lǎn) when emphasizing careful observation, while 观 (guān) is broader and can imply general viewing or watching.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context in which you use 览, as it is more formal than just '看' (kàn, to see). It often appears in written language, such as in titles of articles or exhibitions. A common collocation is '浏览' (liú lǎn, to browse).
HSK Study Tips
Although 览 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be helpful to connect it with words like '看' (kàn) and '读' (dú) at the HSK 1-3 levels. Focus on its usage in reading and viewing contexts to enrich your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 览 with 看 (kàn), using it in casual conversation incorrectly. For instance, saying '我去览书' (wǒ qù lǎn shū) instead of '我去看书' (wǒ qù kàn shū) is incorrect; the latter is more appropriate for casual reading.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 览
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Knowing 览 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 览 (lǎn) means 'to look at' or 'to view.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone inspects or reads something, such as looking over documents or viewing art. This character often conveys a sense of careful observation or examination.
When to use 览
Be cautious of the context in which you use 览, as it is more formal than just '看' (kàn, to see). It often appears in written language, such as in titles of articles or exhibitions. A common collocation is '浏览' (liú lǎn, to browse).
览 or something close to it
观 (guān) - use 览 (lǎn) when emphasizing careful observation, while 观 (guān) is broader and can imply general viewing or watching.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 览 with 看 (kàn), using it in casual conversation incorrectly. For instance, saying '我去览书' (wǒ qù lǎn shū) instead of '我去看书' (wǒ qù kàn shū) is incorrect; the latter is more appropriate for casual reading.
Write 览
览
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Practice writing 览 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 览
览 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.
