Chinese word

看中

Pronunciation

Pinyinkàn zhòng

Meaning

  • verblike

Example

我已经看中这双鞋了。wǒ yǐ jīng kàn zhòng zhè shuāng xié le

I already like this pair of shoes.

Illustration for 看中 (like)

More examples

面试官已经看中一个候选人，公司准备继续谈判。miàn shì guān yǐ jīng kàn zhòng yí gè hòu xuǎn rén gōng sī zhǔn bèi jì xù tán pàn

The interviewer already has their eye on a candidate, and the company plans to continue negotiations.

Core concept

Attention settles on an option that seems right, making it a favored target.

Common phrases

  • 看中一个候选人kàn zhòng yí gè hòu xuǎn rén

    have one's eye on a candidate

  • 看中这笔生意kàn zhòng zhè bǐ shēng yì

    go for this deal

Similar words

看上kàn shàng: To take a liking to something or someone and want to have it.
喜欢xǐ huān: To like something or someone and feel pleased or fond of it.
中意zhōng yì: To find something pleasing because it suits personal taste or needs.
选中xuǎn zhōng: To choose one particular person or thing from a group of candidates.

Definition in Chinese

对某物或某人产生好感并把它作为优先选择或目标。duì mǒu wù huò mǒu rén chǎn shēng háo gǎn bìng bǎ tā zuò wéi yōu xiān xuǎn zé huò mù biāo

Word origin

看 (kàn, "look") combines with 中 (zhòng, "be a good fit") to express choosing something that catches the eye and seems right.

Usage tips

  • English speakers can mistake this verb for a simple feeling of liking, but its everyday use often points toward a concrete choice, such as an item selected in a shop.

Other meanings

  • have one's eye onverb
  • selectverb
  • go forverb

Opposites

  • 看不上kàn bú shàngdislikeverb

Word lists with this word