Chinese Character: 看
1. Character Basics
Radical: 目 (eye)
Stroke Count: 9
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: kàn (to see), kān (to watch over)
3. Meaning
English meaning: look at, see, watch, observe, guard
4. Common Words
- 看书 (kàn shū) - read a book
- 看见 (kàn jiàn) - see
- 看到 (kàn dào) - see, notice
- 看电视 (kàn diàn shì) - watch TV
- 看守 (kān shǒu) - guard, watch over
5. Grammar & Usage
Usage notes:
- 读kàn时，表示视觉动作，后接名词或动词短语
- 读kān时，表示看管、守护的意思
- 可以组成大量常用词组，是最常用的汉字之一
6. Cultural Background
The character "看" consists of "手" (hand) and "目" (eye). Originally, it depicted a hand shielding the eyes to look far away. In Chinese culture, it symbolizes observation and attention.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 他正在看书。
Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài kàn shū.
English: He is reading a book.
Chinese: 他负责看守仓库。
Pinyin: Tā fùzé kānshǒu cāngkù.
English: He is responsible for guarding the warehouse.
8. Memory Tips
Mnemonic: The character "看" has "手" (hand) over "目" (eye). Imagine covering your eyes with your hand to look more carefully at something.