verb HSK 2
to take a look · to have a look · to see
Meaning
看看 is the reduplicated form of the verb 看 (to look/see). The reduplication softens the action, making it sound more casual, tentative, or brief. It suggests looking at something quickly or casually, rather than studying it intensely.
Usage
This is extremely common in everyday speech. Native speakers use 看看 when suggesting to take a quick look at something, browsing casually, or trying something out. The reduplication makes requests sound gentler and less demanding. Often used in shopping contexts or when checking on something.
Examples
- 01我们去商店看看有什么新东西。.Let's go to the store and see what new things they have.
- 02你的作业写完了吗？让老师看看。? .Have you finished your homework? Let the teacher take a look.
Characters
Common collocations
- 让我看看let me take a look
- 去看看go take a look
- 先看看first take a look
- 随便看看just browsing, just looking around
Origin
This is a straightforward verb reduplication, a productive pattern in Mandarin where repeating a verb softens or casualizes the action.