verb HSK 4
shōu kàn
to watch (TV, broadcast) · to view (program)

Meaning

收看 specifically means to watch television programs, broadcasts, or streaming content. It's more formal than just 看 (to watch) and emphasizes the act of receiving and viewing broadcast media. The word combines 收 (to receive) and 看 (to watch), reflecting the idea of receiving transmitted visual content.

Usage

收看 is primarily used in formal or written contexts when referring to watching television programs, news broadcasts, or other transmitted visual media. It's commonly seen in TV program announcements, news articles, and official communications. In casual conversation, people more often just say 看电视 (watch TV). The word strongly collocates with 节目 (program), 电视 (television), and 直播 (live broadcast).

Examples

  1. 01
    今晚八点请准时收看新闻联播。
    Jīn wǎn diǎn qǐng zhǔn shí shōu kàn xīn wén lián .
    Please tune in to watch the news broadcast promptly at 8 PM tonight.
  2. 02
    很多观众通过网络直播收看了这场比赛。
    Hěn duō guān zhòng tōng guò wǎng luò zhí shōu kàn le zhè chǎng sài.
    Many viewers watched this match through online live streaming.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 收看节目
    shōu kàn jié
    to watch a program
  • 收看电视
    shōu kàn diàn shì
    to watch television
  • 收看直播
    shōu kàn zhí
    to watch a live broadcast
  • 收看
    shōu kàn
    viewership rating

Origin

The compound combines 收 (receive) with 看 (watch), originating from the television era when viewers literally received broadcast signals to watch programs. This construction emphasizes the reception aspect of broadcast media consumption.

Related