可观

• Pinyin: kě guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = worthy; 观 = 又 + 见 (see)

Meaning

Considerable; substantial; impressive. Describes quantities, amounts, or results that are notably large or significant.

Often used to describe financial gains, statistics, progress, or achievements that exceed expectations. Can also describe scenery worth viewing. In most contexts, it emphasizes that something is more than trivial — it's worth noticing.

Examples

1. 这个项目预计能带来相当可观的回报。 This project is expected to bring considerable returns.
2. 经过几年的积累，他的存款已经相当可观了。 After several years of saving, his deposits have become quite substantial.
3. 这家公司的市场份额增长幅度相当可观。 This company's market share growth has been quite impressive.

Usage Guide

Context: business, finance, achievement

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这笔投资的收益相当可观。(The returns on this investment are quite substantial.)
• 他积累了可观的财富。(He has accumulated considerable wealth.)

Don't Say

• 他的身高很可观。(Don't use 可观 for physical attributes — use 高 or 惊人; 可观 is for quantities and amounts)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (worthy of) + 观 (viewing/observing). Originally meant 'worth viewing' but evolved to mean 'considerable in quantity.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal