看得见

• Pinyin: kàn de jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 看 = 手 + 目, to look; 得 = 彳 + 寸 + 旦, potential marker; 见 = 目 + 儿, to see

Meaning

Can see; visible; able to see. The ability to perceive something visually.

A resultative verb complement structure (看+得+见) indicating the possibility of seeing. Opposite is 看不见 (can't see). Used both literally (physical visibility) and figuratively (can notice/perceive). Common in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 雾太大了，前面的路都看得见吗？ The fog is too thick — can you even see the road ahead?
2. 站在这里看得见整个城市的夜景，真是太美了。 Standing here you can see the whole city's night view; it's really beautiful.
3. 你的努力大家都看得见，不要灰心。 Everyone can see your efforts; don't get discouraged.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你看得见黑板吗？(Can you see the blackboard?)
• 从这里看得见海。(You can see the ocean from here.)

Don't Say

• 省略得字说'看见了吗'当想问能否看见 (看见 means 'saw/did see'; 看得见 asks about ability/possibility — different meanings)

Origin & History

Compound structure: 看 (to look) + 得 (potential complement marker) + 见 (to see). Together indicating the ability/possibility of seeing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal