This short guide highlights the difference between kàn 看, which means to look or watch, and zhǎng 长, which means long or tall when describing growth or length. Each section gives quick examples to show how they are used in everyday Mandarin.
kàn 看
kàn 看 is a verb that means to look at, watch, or read, and it is used when someone directs their attention toward something. It can also appear in phrases for judging or considering.
Examples
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌅 我去海边，看了美丽的日出。 | Wǒ qù hǎibiān, kàn le měilì de rìchū. | I went to the beach and watched the beautiful sunrise. | |
| 🐬 大家都看着海里跳跃的海豚。 | Dàjiā dōu kàn zhe hǎi lǐ tiàoyuè de hǎitún. | Everyone was watching the dolphins leaping in the sea. | |
| 🏄♂️ 她看着冲浪者迎着浪花前行。 | Tā kàn zhe chōnglàng zhě yíng zhe lànghuā qián xíng. | She watched the surfer riding the waves. | |
| 📷 我在沙滩上看风景，顺便拍了几张照片。 | Wǒ zài shātān shàng kàn fēngjǐng, shùnbiàn pāi le jǐ zhāng zhàopiàn. | I looked at the scenery on the beach and took some photos. |
Usage Notes
zhǎng 长
zhǎng 长 is an adjective or verb related to growth and length; as an adjective, it describes something that is long, and as a verb, it can mean to grow longer or taller. It often applies to physical dimensions or time.
Examples
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌊 海岸线长长地伸展到远方。 | Hǎi'àn xiàn cháng cháng de shēnzhǎn dào yuǎnfāng. | The coastline stretches long into the distance. | |
| 🐍 沙滩上晒着一条长长的海藻。 | Shātān shàng shài zhe yì tiáo cháng cháng de hǎizǎo. | A long strip of seaweed lay drying on the beach. | |
| 🏖️ 海边有一排长长的遮阳伞。 | Hǎibiān yǒu yì pái cháng cháng de zhēyáng sǎn. | There is a row of long sunshades by the sea. | |
| 🌴 一棵棵高大长长的椰子树矗立在沙丘上。 | Yì kē kē gāodà cháng cháng de yēzǐ shù chùlì zài shāqiū shàng. | Tall and long coconut trees stand on the sand dunes. |
Usage Notes
Key Differences
The main difference is that kàn 看 involves actively looking or watching, while zhǎng 长 describes size, length, or growth. Use kàn 看 for actions of seeing and zhǎng 长 for measurements or changes in length or height.
Quick Review
Remember: use kàn 看 when someone looks at or watches something, and use zhǎng 长 to talk about something being long, tall, or growing in length. Short sentences practicing each will help cement the distinction.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025