看望

kànwàng

verb HSK 4 #8,375

Meanings

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

HSK 2

周末我去看望了奶奶。

Zhōumò wǒ qù kànwàng le nǎinai.

I went to visit my grandma on the weekend.

HSK 2

他经常看望生病的朋友。

Tā jīngcháng kànwàng shēngbìng de péngyou.

He often visits his sick friends.

HSK 7-9

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