觀 (guān) - To observe & to watch

觀Tone 1

guān ｜ 24 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

觀 · guān

To observe;

to watch;

to view;

a sight;

a view;

also refers to a Taoist temple.

To observeto watchto view

Usage highlights

To observeConcept; viewSpectatorMagnificent sightOutlook; perspectiveTaoist temple

Synonyms

  • 看— to look; to see
  • 望— to gaze into the distance
  • 察— to examine; to scrutinize

Antonyms

  • 盲— blind; unable to see
  • 蔽— to cover; to obstruct the view

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We went to observe the stars (观星).
  • He enjoys watching birds (观鸟).
  • This is a magnificent sight (壮观).
  • They visited a Taoist temple (道观).

Collocations

  • To observe(观察)
  • Concept; view(观念)
  • Spectator(观众)
  • Magnificent sight(壮观)
  • Outlook; perspective(观点)
  • Taoist temple(道观)

Idioms

  • Sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight(坐山观虎斗)
  • Observing the sky from a well(坐井观天)
  • Watching the fire from the opposite bank(隔岸观火)
  • A grand spectacle(蔚为大观)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character is associated with the act of careful, contemplative observation, often with a philosophical or spiritual dimension.
  • In Taoism, '观' (guàn) refers to a temple, a place for quiet observation and spiritual practice.
  • It embodies a traditional Chinese value of learning through patient observation of nature and human affairs.

FAQ