看着我
kànzhe wǒ
The English phrase "look at me" is translated into Chinese as 看着我 (kànzhe wǒ).
看着我 is a request or command for someone to direct their eyes toward the speaker. In an angry or authoritative context, using a sharp tone with 看着我 functions as a stern command to pay attention.
What does it mean word for word?
This structure implies the sense of "keep looking at me" or "be in the state of looking at me".
How do you pronounce it?
kànzhe wǒ
Did you know?
- The character 看 originally depicted a hand over an eye. This reflects the ancient practice of shielding one's eyes from the sun to see something in the distance more clearly.
- In Chinese culture, intense and prolonged eye contact while saying 看着我 can be perceived as a challenge or a sign of aggression. In many traditional contexts, avoiding direct eye contact is actually a sign of respect toward a superior.
- The word 看 is used not only for 'look' but also for 'read'. Depending on the context, 看着我 could theoretically be interpreted as 'read me' if the speaker is pointing to a piece of writing about themselves.
Examples in context
- 看着我Look at me.This sentence is useful for practicing the basic phrase 看着我.Tatoeba #12615453 by Enzo, translation #262412 by CK
- 我跟你说话的时候看着我！Look at me when I talk to you!This sentence demonstrates how to use 看着我 as a stern command for attention.Tatoeba #501595 by fucongcong, translation #1698 by CE
- 看着我，别看手机。Kànzhe wǒ, bié kàn shǒujī.Look at me, don't look at your phone.
Example conversation
A father is trying to get his daughter's attention during a serious talk.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，看着我。Zǐhán, kànzhe wǒ.Zihan, look at me.
- 梓涵 Zihan我知道了，爸爸。Wǒ zhīdào le, bàba.I know, Dad.
- 伟 Wei你在听我说话吗？Nǐ zài tīng wǒ shuōhuà ma?Are you listening to me?
- 梓涵 Zihan我在听，对不起。Wǒ zài tīng, duìbuqǐ.I am listening, sorry.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
