瞭 (liǎo) - To look into the distance & to have a clear view

瞭Tone 3

liǎo ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

嘹林

瞭 · liǎo

To look into the distance;

to have a clear view;

to understand clearly;

to be clear and obvious.

To look into the distanceto have a clear viewto understand clearly

Usage highlights

Lookout towerClear at a glanceObserve from a heightClear understandingObservation postSurvey the situation

Synonyms

  • 望— to look into the distance
  • 观— to observe
  • 察— to examine

Antonyms

  • 盲— blind
  • 昧— obscure, ignorant

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We could see far into the distance from the mountaintop (瞭望远方).
  • The situation is now clear (情况已瞭然).
  • He stood on the watchtower observing (他在瞭望塔上观察).
  • After the explanation, everything became clear (解释后一切瞭如指掌).

Collocations

  • Lookout tower(瞭望塔)
  • Clear at a glance(瞭然)
  • Observe from a height(瞭望)
  • Clear understanding(瞭如指掌)
  • Observation post(瞭望台)
  • Survey the situation(瞭望形势)

Idioms

  • Clear as seeing one's own palm(瞭如指掌)
  • Having a clear understanding(一目瞭然)
  • Surveying from a high vantage point(登高瞭望)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally associated with military observation and surveillance from high positions.
  • Used metaphorically to describe mental clarity and comprehensive understanding.
  • The simplified form 了 has largely replaced 瞭 in mainland China, though 瞭 retains its distinct meaning in traditional contexts.

FAQ