Meanings of 看
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Podcast: 看
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AI Study Notes for 看
观察 (guānchá) - use 看 (kàn) for casual viewing, while 观察 (guānchá) implies a more deliberate and detailed examination.
Common mistakes include confusing 看 with other verbs such as 见 (jiàn), which specifically means 'to meet' or 'to see' in a more passive sense. Remember to use 看 in contexts where active observation or care is intended. This verb can be informal, but in a formal context, it may be better to use expressions like 照顾 (zhàogù) for 'to take care of'.
As an HSK Level 1 word, 看 connects well with other basic verbs like 听 (tīng, to listen) and 说 (shuō, to speak), allowing students to practice simple sentences. Focus on combining 看 with other vocabulary to create meaningful phrases, such as 看书 (kān shū, to read books) or 看电影 (kān diànyǐng, to watch movies).
Learners often confuse 看 with the similar-sounding 砍 (kǎn, to chop), leading to incorrect sentences like '我看树' (Wǒ kàn shù, I chop the tree). The correct usage would be '我看树' (I see the tree) when intending to observe.
Pronunciation of 看
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Etymology of 看
Depicts putting a hand (手) over the eyes (目) and looking (看) into the distance.
Shielding one's eyes 目 with a hand 手 to look to the distance
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 看
Depicts putting a hand (手) over the eyes (目) and looking (看) into the distance.
- 1The giveawayShielding one's eyes 目 with a hand 手 to look to the distance
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 看? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 看
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How to say to see in Chinese
“to see” in Chinese is看
看 (kān) means 'to look' or 'to see' and is a versatile verb used in various contexts, from watching television to taking care of someone. It can also imply consideration or regard, as in evaluating a situation or treating an illness. The nuance of the word can vary based on context, such as casual observation versus serious inspection.
When to use 看
Common mistakes include confusing 看 with other verbs such as 见 (jiàn), which specifically means 'to meet' or 'to see' in a more passive sense. Remember to use 看 in contexts where active observation or care is intended. This verb can be informal, but in a formal context, it may be better to use expressions like 照顾 (zhàogù) for 'to take care of'.
看 or something close to it
观察 (guānchá) - use 看 (kàn) for casual viewing, while 观察 (guānchá) implies a more deliberate and detailed examination.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 看 with the similar-sounding 砍 (kǎn, to chop), leading to incorrect sentences like '我看树' (Wǒ kàn shù, I chop the tree). The correct usage would be '我看树' (I see the tree) when intending to observe.
Write 看
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Practice writing 看 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 看
看 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 17 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
This pattern emphasizes the action or state by indicating the specific instance of the verb.
这是我看的电影。
This is the movie that I watched.
Complete the Sentence
新书包很好____。
The new backpack looks great.
Common Confusions with 看
看 is often confused with 见, but 看 emphasizes the act of looking or watching, while 见 simply means 'to see' or 'to meet'.
我看电视。 (I watch TV.) vs. 我见她了。 (I saw her.)
看 is often confused with 见, but 看 emphasizes the act of looking or watching, while 见 simply means 'to see' or 'to meet'.
Usage Notes for 看
Learners often misuse 看 when they mean 见. Remember that 看 implies a more active engagement, while 见 is passive.
我看她。 (Incorrect)
I look at her. (Should be '我见她。')
Fill in the Blank
我____她。 (Incorrect)
I look at her. (Should be '我见她。')
Example Sentences for 看 (16)
Cultural Notes for 看
In Chinese culture, watching the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional activity. Families gather to appreciate the beauty of the full moon, symbolizing reunion and harmony.
Word Family of 看
Compound Meaning
What does 看 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 看
Common phrases include '看电视' (kàn diànshì), meaning 'to watch TV', and '看医生' (kàn yīshēng), which means 'to see a doctor'. These phrases illustrate the versatile use of 看 in different contexts.
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