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

HSK 4

路边的事故吸引了很多人围观。

Lùbiān de shìgù xīyǐn le hěnduō rén wéiguān.

The roadside accident attracted many onlookers.

HSK 7-9

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