Chinese · Common Verbs
看
kàn
To look / watch
Beginnerverb
Definition
To use your eyes to see, watch, or read.
Example
我晚上喜欢看书。
I like reading books in the evening.
Etymology
看 (kàn) evolved from pictographic origins depicting the act of looking or seeing. The character combines the 'eye' radical (目) and a phonetic component, reflecting its visual focus.
How & Where It’s Used
看 is commonly used in informal spoken language as well as in written forms. It is universally understood across Chinese-speaking regions and is used in both everyday conversations and in media.
Literary Heritage
Notable occurrences of 看 can be found in poetry and narratives, often describing perceptions and appearances.