Meaning
看齐 literally means 'to look at alignment' and refers to aligning oneself with someone or something as a standard or model. It carries the sense of matching someone's level, following their example, or using them as a benchmark for one's own behavior or achievement.
Usage
Commonly used in formal or political contexts when talking about following good examples, emulating role models, or aligning with standards. Often appears in the pattern '向...看齐' (xiàng... kàn qí) meaning 'to align with/follow the example of...'. It has a positive, aspirational connotation of self-improvement by following better examples.
Examples
- 01我们应该向先进工作者看齐。.We should follow the example of advanced workers.
- 02他在各方面都努力向老师看齐。.He works hard in all aspects to keep up with his teacher.
Characters
Common collocations
- 向...看齐...to align with/follow the example of...
- 看齐意识consciousness of aligning (with standards)
- 自觉看齐to consciously align/follow examples
Origin
Originally from military terminology where soldiers would 'look to align' themselves in formation, ensuring even rows. The term evolved to mean aligning one's behavior or standards with a model or example.