看得起

• Pinyin: kàn de qǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 看 = 手 + 目, to look; 得 = potential marker; 起 = 走 + 己, to rise/up

Meaning

To think highly of; to respect; to look up to. Having regard or esteem for someone.

A resultative complement structure indicating respect or high regard. Opposite is 看不起 (to look down on/despise). Often used in phrases expressing gratitude for someone's regard, or in questions about whether someone is valued.

Examples

1. 谢谢你能看得起我，给我这个机会。 Thank you for thinking highly of me and giving me this opportunity.
2. 他虽然有钱，但从不小看别人，谁都看得起。 Although he's rich, he never looks down on others — he respects everyone.
3. 只要你努力，别人自然会看得起你。 As long as you work hard, others will naturally think highly of you.

Usage Guide

Context: respect, social, everyday

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 谢谢你看得起我。(Thank you for thinking highly of me.)
• 只要你看得起我，我就帮你。(As long as you respect me, I'll help you.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合过度使用看得起 (In very formal contexts, 尊重 or 器重 sounds more professional)

Origin & History

Compound structure: 看 (to look) + 得 (potential complement) + 起 (up). Literally 'able to look up at' — having regard for someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal