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看 (kàn) — to see; to look at; to watch; to read (a book, text); to visit (a doctor, etc.); to see

Definition

看 is the everyday, all-purpose 'to look / to watch / to read / to see a doctor'. 见 is more about meeting someone or encountering (esp. in writing); 观看 is formal, used for performances and films.

verb
to seeto look atto watchto read (a book, text)to visit (a doctor, etc.)to see
Easily confused

Examples

  • 看。
    Wǒ kàn diàn shì.
    I watch TV.
  • 看。
    Mā ma kàn shū.
    Mom reads a book.
  • 。
    Nǐ qù kàn kàn.
    You go see a doctor.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 看 puts 手 (hand) over 目 (eye), showing a hand placed above the eyes to gaze into the distance.

Grammar

Appears in
100 Most Frequent Chinese WordsHSK 3.0 Level 1500 Most Frequent Chinese WordsHSK 2.0 Level 11000 Most Frequent Chinese WordsSenses

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