Discussion of 看看 [kàn kan] have a look

Discussion of 看看

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Verb reduplication basically indicates that the action lasts for a short period of time or is repeated for only a small number of times. Depending on the nature of the verb and the context, it may carry on other senses.

For a verb that has only one syllable, e.g. 看, its reduplicated form will be "看看". The second syllable is pronounced in the neutral tone. "看一看" is another form of reduplication. Here "一" is inserted between the two parts and it has the same meaning as "看看".

1. In a case where an action is yet to happen, reduplicating the verb adds a mild tone for the speaker to express a will or a request in a circumlocutory way.
Example.我不知道哪里错了，你能帮我看看吗？

2. If the action has already happened and finished, and it requires a process to be completed, verb reduplication cannot be used.
Example. 上星期我读了一本书，觉得很有意思。

3. In the case where an action has already happened, "了" is usually used between the two parts of the reduplicated verb, and it indicates the action lasts for a short while.
Example.我问了问他，他说也不知道。

4.Verbs with "着" and "过" cannot be reduplicated.

5. Reduplicated verbs usually cannot appear in the negative forms (unless it appears in a rhetorical question or a question with a blaming tone).

lisaC

When and in what context is 看看 (kànkan) used?

个学生

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"看看" (kànkan) is a commonly used phrase in Mandarin Chinese that means "have a look" or "take a look". It is often used in casual conversations and can be used in a variety of contexts.

1. To suggest looking at something: "看看" can be used to suggest taking a look at something, either physically or figuratively. For example, if someone is showing you a new book, you can say "看看这本书" (kànkan zhè běn shū) which means "have a look at this book". Similarly, if someone is telling you about a new restaurant, you can say "我们去看看吧" (wǒmen qù kànkan ba) which means "let's go have a look".

2. To express curiosity or interest: "看看" can also be used to express curiosity or interest in something. For example, if someone is talking about a new movie, you can say "我想去看看" (wǒ xiǎng qù kànkan) which means "I want to go have a look". This can also be used in a more general sense, such as "我想看看这个城市" (wǒ xiǎng kànkan zhè ge chéngshì) which means "I want to have a look at this city".

3. To suggest trying something: "看看" can also be used to suggest trying something, especially in the context of food or drinks. For example, if someone offers you a new dish, you can say "我来看看" (wǒ lái kànkan) which means "let me have a taste". Similarly, if someone offers you a new drink, you can say "我来看看这个" (wǒ lái kànkan zhè ge) which means "let me try this".

4. To soften a request: "看看" can also be used to soften a request or command. For example, instead of saying "给我看" (gěi wǒ kàn) which means "show me", you can say "给我看看" (gěi wǒ kànkan) which means "can you show me?". This makes the request sound more polite and less demanding.

Overall, "看看"

当老师

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