看望

kànwàng

verb HSK 4 #8,375

Meanings

Both characters mean 'to look', doubled emphasis on going to see someone.

周末我去看望了奶奶。

Zhōumò wǒ qù kànwàng le nǎinai.

I went to visit my grandma on the weekend.

他经常看望生病的朋友。

Tā jīngcháng kànwàng shēngbìng de péngyou.

He often visits his sick friends.

过年的时候要看望长辈。

Guònián de shíhou yào kànwàng zhǎngbèi.

During Chinese New Year, you should visit your elders.

usage

看望 specifically means visiting a person (often out of care or respect), not visiting a place. For visiting a place, use 参观 or 游览.

culture

In Chinese culture, 看望 elders and sick people is an important social obligation, especially during holidays.

看 kàn

望 wàng