How to say “take a look” in Chinese with 看看 (kànkan)
V. + V.
Reduplication of verbs
V. + V.
HSK 2Verb phrasesReduplication of verbs
Rule structure
Reduplicating a verb expresses a short, light, or tentative action. It often softens the tone and makes a request, suggestion, or intention sound less direct.
Rule structure
Reduplicating a verb expresses a short, light, or tentative action. It often softens the tone and makes a request, suggestion, or intention sound less direct.
Examples
你看看。
Nǐ kàn kan.
Take a look.
Examples
你看看。
Nǐ kàn kan.
Take a look.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Reduplication of verbs” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Verb + Verb. For example: 你看看。 — “Take a look.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
你看看。 — “Take a look.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
Verbs followed by "给 (gěi)"
Subj. + Verb + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Obj.
Special cases of "在 (zài)" following verbs
Verb + 在 (zài) + Place
Verbs that take double objects
Subj. + Verb + Indirect Obj. + Direct Obj.
Actions in a row
(Verb Phrase 1) + (Verb Phrase 2)
Negative commands with "不要 (búyào)"
不要 (búyào) + Verb
Verbs preceded by "给 (gěi)"
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Target + Verb + Obj.