HSK 1 synonyms
kàn
vs
jiàn

Look at kàn vs See jiàn

The distinction is between the process (to look at) and the result (to see).

The distinction is between the process (to look at) and the result (to see).

Look at (kàn) : Look / Read

Indicates the voluntary action of directing one's gaze or reading.
Look at the book (kàn shū) (read a book), Look at the movie (kàn diànyǐng) (watch a movie).

See (jiàn) : See / Notice

Indicates the result of visual perception.
Notice (kànjiàn) (notice), Hear (tīngjiàn) (hear).

The resultative verb See (kànjiàn) :

This is the most common form to translate "see". Kàn is the action, jiàn is the success of the action.

Nuance exercises

Complete each sentence with the best term, then submit to view all corrections.

1. Quel mot correspond au pinyin « kàn » ?

2. Quel mot correspond au pinyin « jiàn » ?