[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Facial-Actions # 看 kàn to look, to see ## Components [[龵 (shǒu)]] [[目 (mù)]] [[目 mù]] ## Meaning Today, the character 看 (kàn) primarily signifies "to look" or "to see" in modern Chinese usage. It is commonly used to describe the action of observing or watching something with one's eyes. Additionally, it can imply "to read" when referring to written materials, such as books or documents. ## History The character 看 (kàn) evolved from the act of shielding one's forehead to gaze in strong sunlight. Originally meaning "to gaze," it depicts a hand shielding the eyes from intense sunlight while observing. Over time, it extended to mean "to visit" or "to greet," and also conveys the notions of observation and judgment. In its noun form, it means "perspective" or "view," and when pronounced as "kan," it can imply "guarding" or "monitoring." Today, it primarily signifies "to observe" or "to watch," extending to assessing and judging situations. It can also mean "to regard" or "to treat," and "to visit" or "to attend to." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[看oracular 1.svg]] ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[看 seal 1.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[看 clerical 1.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[看 regular.svg]]