Chinese Word
Archive
← Today's word Archive
verb HSK 4
Traditional 欣賞
xīn shǎng
to appreciate · to admire · to enjoy

Meaning

欣赏 means to appreciate or admire something, whether it's art, music, natural scenery, or a person's qualities. It conveys a sense of deriving pleasure or satisfaction from observing or experiencing something valuable. The word emphasizes thoughtful, positive appreciation rather than casual liking.

Usage

欣赏 is commonly used in contexts involving aesthetic appreciation (art, music, literature, nature) or admiring someone's talents and character. It's more formal and refined than simple 喜欢 (to like). Often appears in phrases like 欣赏音乐 (appreciate music) or 欣赏你的才华 (admire your talent). Can also be used as a noun meaning 'appreciation'.

Examples

  1. 01
    我很欣赏她的工作态度。
    Wǒ hěn xīn shǎng tā de gōng zuò tài dù.
    I really admire her work attitude.
  2. 02
    周末我们去博物馆欣赏古代艺术品。
    Zhōu mò wǒ men qù bó wù guǎn xīn shǎng gǔ dài yì shù pǐn.
    On the weekend we went to the museum to appreciate ancient artworks.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 欣赏音乐
    xīn shǎng yīn yuè
    to appreciate music
  • 欣赏风景
    xīn shǎng fēng jǐng
    to enjoy scenery
  • 欣赏艺术
    xīn shǎng yì shù
    to appreciate art
  • 很欣赏
    hěn xīn shǎng
    to greatly admire

Antonyms

Origin

欣 originally meant joy or happiness, while 赏 meant to bestow rewards or recognition. Together they form a compound meaning to take joy in recognizing or valuing something's merit.

Related