围观

圍觀

wéiguān

verb #24,907

Meanings

1 to stand in a circle and watch
2 to gather around and observe
3 to rubberneck

Characters

to surround/encircle

to observe/watch/view

Examples

路边的事故吸引了很多人围观。

Lùbiān de shìgù xīyǐn le hěn duō rén wéiguān.

The roadside accident attracted many onlookers.

他的街头表演让路人纷纷停下围观。

Tā de jiētóu biǎoyǎn ràng lùrén fēnfēn tíngxià wéiguān.

His street performance made passersby stop one after another to watch.

Tips

usage

围观 has taken on new meaning in the internet age — it now also refers to passively watching/lurking on social media posts or live streams without commenting. The phrase 吃瓜群众 (melon-eating crowd) describes people who 围观 online drama without getting involved.

Stroke Order

围 wéi

观 guān