Meaning of 欣赏
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to appreciate; to enjoy; to admire
How to use 欣赏
欣赏 is used for enjoying art, music, or scenery, and also for admiring a person's qualities or work. It sounds a little more formal and thoughtful than 喜欢 (xǐhuan). Example: 我很欣赏他的诚实。(Wǒ hěn xīnshǎng tā de chéngshí.) I really admire his honesty.
欣 (xīn) means glad, as in 欣喜 (xīnxǐ), and 赏 (shǎng) means to reward or enjoy, as in 观赏 (guānshǎng). To 欣赏 something is to feel glad while you enjoy it.
Common mistake: Learners often say 欣赏 for being grateful, as in 'I appreciate your help'. Chinese uses 感谢 (gǎnxiè) or 谢谢 for that, not 欣赏. Also note the third tone on 赏 (shǎng), which is sometimes misread as first tone.
欣赏 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
欣 xīn · delighted · 8 strokes
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赏 shǎng · to bestow · 12 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 欣赏.
| 赞赏 | zànshǎng | to admire; to praise |
| 观赏 | guānshǎng | to look at sth with pleasure; to watch (sth marvelous); ornamental |
| 欣慰 | xīnwèi | to be gratified |
| 欣喜 | xīnxǐ | happy |
| 鉴赏 | jiànshǎng | to appreciate (as a connoisseur) |
| 欣欣向荣 | xīnxīn-xiàngróng | (idiom) flourishing; thriving |
| 赏金 | shǎngjīn | monetary reward |
| 奖赏 | jiǎngshǎng | reward; prize; award |
| 悬赏 | xuánshǎng | to offer a reward; bounty |
| 欣喜若狂 | xīnxǐruòkuáng | to be wild with joy (idiom) |
| 赏脸 | shǎngliǎn | (polite) do me the honor |
| 赏识 | shǎngshí | to appreciate; to recognize the worth of sth |
Questions about 欣赏
What does 欣赏 mean?
欣赏 (xīnshǎng) means "to appreciate; to enjoy; to admire" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 欣赏?
欣赏 is made of 2 characters: 欣 (8 strokes), 赏 (12 strokes). That is 20 strokes in total.
Is 欣赏 an HSK word?
Yes. 欣赏 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 欣赏 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 欣赏 is written 欣賞.
What is the difference between 欣赏 and 喜欢?
喜欢 (xǐhuan) is a general, everyday word for liking anything. 欣赏 suggests valuing something for its quality or beauty, so it fits art, talent, and character better than food or snacks.
Can 欣赏 be used for a boss praising an employee?
Yes. 老板很欣赏你 (Lǎobǎn hěn xīnshǎng nǐ) means the boss thinks highly of you. If the praise is spoken aloud, 赞赏 (zànshǎng) is often used instead.