望远镜

• Pinyin: wàng yuǎn jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 望 = gaze; 远 = 辶(movement) + 袁 (phonetic) — far; 镜 = 金 (metal) + 竟 (to end, phonetic) — a metallic reflective surface

Meaning

Telescope; binoculars. An optical instrument used to observe distant objects.

Refers to both telescopes (astronomical, long-range) and binoculars (handheld, two-eyed). Context determines which is meant. Common in astronomy, birdwatching, military, and outdoor contexts. A straightforward compound noun with no figurative usage.

Examples

1. 他架起望远镜，仔细观察着夜空中的星星。 He set up the telescope and carefully observed the stars in the night sky.
2. 观鸟爱好者们手持望远镜，在林间静静地等待候鸟的出现。 Birdwatching enthusiasts held binoculars, quietly waiting in the forest for the migratory birds to appear.
3. 这款望远镜放大倍数高，特别适合野外观测使用。 This telescope has a high magnification and is particularly suited to outdoor observation.

Usage Guide

Context: science, outdoor, military

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 用望远镜才能看清远处的山峰。(You need binoculars to see the distant mountain peaks clearly.)
• 哈勃望远镜为人类探索宇宙提供了极为宝贵的影像资料。(The Hubble Telescope has provided invaluable imagery for humanity's exploration of the universe.)

Don't Say

• 将望远镜与显微镜混淆 — 望远镜 (telescope/binoculars) is for viewing distant objects; 显微镜 (microscope) is for viewing tiny objects up close

Origin & History

Compound of 望 (to gaze into the distance) + 远 (far) + 镜 (mirror, lens, optical instrument). Literally 'a mirror for gazing far away' — a telescope.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal