Meaning
眺望 means to look far into the distance, often from a high place or vantage point. It conveys a sense of looking outward with purpose or contemplation, often at scenery, horizons, or distant landmarks. The word suggests both physical distance and sometimes a forward-looking or hopeful perspective.
Usage
眺望 is more literary and formal than everyday words like 看 (to look). It's commonly used when describing scenic views, standing at viewpoints, or looking out from windows or hilltops. The word often appears in descriptive writing, tourism contexts, and when expressing aspirations or looking toward the future metaphorically.
Examples
- 01我们站在山顶眺望远方的城市。.We stood at the mountain peak gazing at the distant city.
- 02她喜欢在阳台上眺望夕阳下的大海。.She likes to gaze at the ocean under the sunset from the balcony.
Characters
Common collocations
- 眺望远方to gaze into the distance
- 登高眺望to climb high and look far
- 眺望大海to gaze at the ocean
- 向远处眺望to gaze toward the distance
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to looking: 眺 contains the eye radical 目 and suggests gazing into the distance, while 望 originally depicted a person looking toward the moon, symbolizing looking far away. Together they reinforce the concept of distant observation.