HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 目, rank #16932, Hard
瞅
chǒu
(dialect) to look at
HSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, radical 目, rank #16932, Hard
chǒu(chou3) T3
1to see, to look at, to gaze at
2(dialect) to look at
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March 24, 2026
瞅chǒu(chou3)
The verb 瞅 (chǒu) means 'to see,' 'to look at,' or 'to gaze at.' It is often used in dialects and can imply a more casual or less formal way of looking at something compared to the standard verb 看 (kàn). In certain contexts, especially in spoken language, it conveys a sense of inspecting or observing with a particular interest.
Strokes14Radical目Frequency#16932DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In some Chinese dialects, particularly in rural areas, 瞅 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting the regional variations in language usage across China. This highlights the importance of local dialects in understanding Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a curious cat (the radical 目, meaning 'eye') peering intently at something, making the action of 瞅 (chǒu) memorable. The pronunciation 'chǒu' can remind you of a cat's soft 'churr' while it gazes at its prey.
Meanings of 瞅
chǒu(chou3)
1to see, to look at, to gaze at
2(dialect) to look at
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 瞅
瞅Simplified
14Strokes
目Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 瞅
Podcast: 瞅
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AI Study Notes for 瞅
Quick Contrast
瞧 (qiáo) - use 瞅 (chǒu) when implying a more casual or dialectal way of looking, while 瞧 (qiáo) can suggest a slightly more attentive or considerate observation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a curious cat (the radical 目, meaning 'eye') peering intently at something, making the action of 瞅 (chǒu) memorable. The pronunciation 'chǒu' can remind you of a cat's soft 'churr' while it gazes at its prey.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 瞅 is more commonly used in certain dialects, so it may not be appropriate in formal writing. A common mistake is confusing it with 看 (kàn); remember, 瞅 conveys a more casual or dialectical nuance. It’s often used with objects of interest, e.g., 瞅一瞅 (chǒu yī chǒu) meaning 'take a look.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 瞅 is not listed in the HSK levels, it shares similarities with the HSK 1 verb 看 (kàn), which means 'to see.' Students should focus on distinguishing between these two words in usage and context, particularly in conversational Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In some Chinese dialects, particularly in rural areas, 瞅 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting the regional variations in language usage across China. This highlights the importance of local dialects in understanding Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瞅 with the more common 看 (kàn), leading to incorrect usage in conversation. For instance, saying '我瞅电视' (Wǒ chǒu diànshì) instead of '我看电视' (Wǒ kàn diànshì) can sound awkward.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瞅
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Grammar Patterns of 瞅
瞅 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 2 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.
Old women in black shawls peered at us from door - ways.
5
他在瞅空悄悄离开.
tā zài chǒu kōng qiǎo qiǎo lí kāi.
He is watching for an opportunity of retiring quietly.
6
将军起初愣愣地对侯恩瞅了半晌.
jiāng jūn qǐ chū lèng lèng dì duì hóu ēn chǒu le bàn shǎng.
The General had looked at Hearn blankly.
Cultural Notes for 瞅
🏮Cultural insight
In some Chinese dialects, particularly in rural areas, 瞅 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting the regional variations in language usage across China. This highlights the importance of local dialects in understanding Chinese culture.
Word Family of 瞅
Words Containing This Character3
瞅chǒu(dialect) to look at
瞅见to see瞅見
不瞅不睬to ignore completely
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 瞅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瞅
While 瞅 is understood, it is more commonly found in dialects rather than standard Mandarin.
It's better to use 看 (kàn) in formal contexts, as 瞅 is considered informal or dialectical.
The correct pronunciation is 'chǒu,' with a falling-rising tone.
