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March 24, 2026
看得起()kàndeqǐ(kan4de5qi3)
看得起 (kàn de qǐ) means to show respect for someone or to think highly of them. It is often used in contexts where one person acknowledges the abilities, qualities, or status of another, indicating a sense of admiration or esteem.
Frequency#54136DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing respect is paramount, especially towards elders or those in higher positions. The phrase reflects the collective nature of society, where interpersonal respect fosters harmony and relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine looking up (看) at someone you admire and feeling uplifted (得起) by their presence. The character 看 resembles an eye looking up, while 得起 suggests being lifted up by someone’s qualities.
Meanings of 看得起
kàndeqǐ(kan4de5qi3)
1to show respect for
2to think highly of
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About 看得起
看得起Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 看得起
Podcast: 看得起
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AI Study Notes for 看得起
Quick Contrast
看得起 (kàndeqǐ) vs 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ) — use 看得起 when expressing respect, while 看不起 indicates disdain or contempt.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine looking up (看) at someone you admire and feeling uplifted (得起) by their presence. The character 看 resembles an eye looking up, while 得起 suggests being lifted up by someone’s qualities.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to use 看得起 in negative contexts, as it can imply condescension if misapplied. It is more formal than casual phrases and is often used in discussions about respect or status. A common collocation is '不看得起' which means to look down on someone.
HSK Study Tips
As this term is not included in HSK levels, focus on related terms like '尊重' (respect) and '欣赏' (appreciate) to deepen your understanding of respect in Chinese culture. Practicing these terms together can enhance your conversational skills in formal situations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing respect is paramount, especially towards elders or those in higher positions. The phrase reflects the collective nature of society, where interpersonal respect fosters harmony and relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 看得起 with 看不起, which means to look down on someone. Remember that 看得起 conveys respect, while 看不起 conveys disdain.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 看得起
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Cultural Notes for 看得起
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, showing respect is paramount, especially towards elders or those in higher positions. The phrase reflects the collective nature of society, where interpersonal respect fosters harmony and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 看得起
Yes, it is more formal and is often used in respectful discussions.
It is typically used for people, not objects or concepts.
The opposite is 不看得起 (bù kàn de qǐ), which means to look down on someone.
