zhàogù: 照顾 - To Take Care Of, To Look After, To Attend To

• Keywords: zhaogu, zhàogù, 照顾, take care of in Chinese, look after in Chinese, Chinese word for care, zhaogu meaning, Chinese culture of care, filial piety, Chinese for patronage
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 照顾 (zhàogù), which means “to take care of” or “to look after.” This comprehensive guide explores its deep cultural significance, from the duty of caring for family (filial piety) to its unique use in business, where it means “to give patronage.” Understand how to use 照顾 (zhàogù) correctly in daily conversation, see practical examples, and learn the crucial differences between it and similar terms like 关心 (guānxīn) to avoid common mistakes. This is a must-know verb for anyone wanting to understand Chinese social dynamics.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhàogù
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To take care of, look after, or give consideration to someone or something.
• In a Nutshell: 照顾 (zhàogù) is an action word that implies a sense of responsibility and attentiveness. It's not just about passive concern; it's about actively doing things for someone's well-being. This can range from nursing a sick parent back to health, to babysitting a child, to a regular customer “looking after” a small business by frequenting it. It’s a word built on action, duty, and consideration.

• 照 (zhào): The primary meaning is “to shine” or “to illuminate.” Think of shining a light on something to give it your full attention and see its needs clearly.
• 顾 (gù): This character means “to look at” or “to attend to.” The right side, 页 (yè), is a radical for “head,” so it evokes the image of turning your head to focus on someone or something.
• Together, 照顾 (zhàogù) literally means “to shine a light on and attend to.” This beautiful imagery perfectly captures the essence of the word: to provide focused, attentive, and responsible care.

照顾 (zhàogù) is more than just a verb; it's a cornerstone of Chinese social values, deeply rooted in Confucian principles of community and reciprocal obligation. The most profound context for 照顾 (zhàogù) is within the family, specifically relating to filial piety (孝顺, xiàoshùn). It is considered the fundamental duty of adult children to 照顾 (zhàogù) their aging parents. This isn't just a financial obligation but a physical and emotional one, often involving living with them and managing their daily needs. This contrasts sharply with the Western ideal of “independence,” where elderly parents might prefer living in retirement communities to avoid being a “burden.” In traditional Chinese culture, having your children 照顾 (zhàogù) you in old age is a sign of a successful and virtuous life. While modern life is changing this dynamic, the expectation remains a powerful social force. This concept of care extends outwards in a hierarchical way: seniors are expected to 照顾 juniors in a workplace, teachers 照顾 their students, and the government is expected to 照顾 its citizens. It reflects a society built on mutual responsibility and interconnectedness, rather than pure individualism.

照顾 (zhàogù) is a versatile word used in many contexts, from the home to the marketplace.

• In the Family: This is its most common and literal use. It refers to the physical act of caring for someone who needs help.
  • e.g., caring for children, the elderly, or sick family members.
• In Business (Patronage): This is a unique usage that often surprises learners. A business owner might politely say to a customer, “谢谢照顾我们的生意” (xièxie zhàogù wǒmen de shēngyi), meaning “Thank you for patronizing our business.” A customer might also be asked to “多多照顾” (duōduō zhàogù), meaning “Please come again often!” Here, 照顾 means to “look after” the business by giving it your custom.
• Social Consideration: It can also mean to show consideration for someone's needs, feelings, or situation.
  • e.g., “我们应该照顾一下新同事。” (Wǒmen yīnggāi zhàogù yīxià xīn tóngshì.) - “We should look out for the new colleague.”
• As a Noun: With the particle 的 (de), it can become a noun meaning “care” or “consideration.”
  • e.g., “谢谢你的照顾。” (xièxie nǐ de zhàogù.) - “Thank you for your care.”

• Example 1:
  • 妈妈生病了，我需要在家照顾她。
  • Pinyin: Māma shēngbìng le, wǒ xūyào zài jiā zhàogù tā.
  • English: My mom is sick, I need to stay home and take care of her.
  • Analysis: This is the most classic and literal use of 照顾, showing responsible care for a family member.
• Example 2:
  • 他很会照顾小孩子。
  • Pinyin: Tā hěn huì zhàogù xiǎo háizi.
  • English: He is very good at looking after small children.
  • Analysis: Highlights a skill or ability in providing care.
• Example 3:
  • 谢谢你照顾我的生意，下次再来！
  • Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ zhàogù wǒ de shēngyi, xiàcì zài lái!
  • English: Thank you for patronizing my business, please come again!
  • Analysis: A crucial example of the business context. The speaker is a shop owner thanking a customer.
• Example 4:
  • 作为哥哥，你应该照顾好你的弟弟。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi gēge, nǐ yīnggāi zhàogù hǎo nǐ de dìdi.
  • English: As the older brother, you should take good care of your younger brother.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the sense of duty and responsibility that comes with a certain role or status.
• Example 5:
  • 你出差的时候，谁来照顾你的猫？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ chūchāi de shíhou, shéi lái zhàogù nǐ de māo?
  • English: Who will look after your cat when you're on your business trip?
  • Analysis: Shows that 照顾 can be used for pets, not just people.
• Example 6:
  • 多年来，多谢您的照顾。
  • Pinyin: Duō nián lái, duōxiè nín de zhàogù.
  • English: Thank you for your care/support over these many years.
  • Analysis: This is a formal way to thank someone (like a mentor, boss, or long-term client) for their long-term help and guidance. It uses 照顾 as a noun.
• Example 7:
  • 我们得照顾到每个人的情绪。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen děi zhàogù dào měi ge rén de qíngxù.
  • English: We have to be considerate of everyone's feelings.
  • Analysis: This shows the more abstract meaning of “to be considerate of” or “to take into account.”
• Example 8:
  • 他是个自私的人，只照顾自己。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì ge zìsī de rén, zhǐ zhàogù zìjǐ.
  • English: He is a selfish person, he only looks after himself.
  • Analysis: A negative example that demonstrates the lack of care for others.
• Example 9:
  • 你能帮我照顾一下行李吗？我马上回来。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhàogù yīxià xíngli ma? Wǒ mǎshàng huílái.
  • English: Can you help me look after my luggage for a moment? I'll be right back.
  • Analysis: A common, practical request. “一下 (yīxià)” softens the request and implies a short duration.
• Example 10:
  • 作为领导，他很照顾下属。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi lǐngdǎo, tā hěn zhàogù xiàshǔ.
  • English: As a leader, he really looks out for his subordinates.
  • Analysis: This reflects the hierarchical social expectation in a workplace, where a senior is expected to guide and support a junior.

• 照顾 (zhàogù) vs. 关心 (guānxīn): This is the most common point of confusion.
  • 照顾 (zhàogù) is about action. It's physical help, support, and taking on responsibility. (e.g., Making food for a sick person).
  • 关心 (guānxīn) is about emotion. It's being concerned, worrying, and showing you care in your heart. (e.g., Calling a sick person to ask how they feel).
  • You can 关心 someone from thousands of miles away, but to 照顾 them, you generally need to be physically present and doing things for them.
• False Friend: “Take care of” a problem.
  • In English, we say “Don't worry, I'll take care of the problem.” You cannot use 照顾 (zhàogù) this way in Chinese. 照顾 is for nurturing things, not for “handling” or “solving” them.
  • Incorrect: ~~这个问题我来照顾。~~ (Zhège wèntí wǒ lái zhàogù.) This sounds like you are going to nurse the problem as if it were a sick child.
  • Correct: 这个问题我来处理。 (Zhège wèntí wǒ lái chǔlǐ.) - I'll handle this problem.
  • Correct: 这个问题我来解决。 (Zhège wèntí wǒ lái jiějué.) - I'll solve this problem.

• 关心 (guānxīn) - To be concerned about; emotional care. Contrasts with the physical action of 照顾.
• 关照 (guānzhào) - A more formal synonym for 照顾, often used in professional contexts to mean “to look after” or “guide.”
• 照看 (zhàokàn) - Very similar to 照顾, slightly more informal. Often used for temporary situations like watching luggage or children.
• 看护 (kānhù) - To nurse or look after a sick person; a more specific and clinical term.
• 体贴 (tǐtiē) - To be considerate or thoughtful. Focuses on anticipating someone's emotional and small physical needs.
• 孝顺 (xiàoshùn) - Filial piety. The cultural value that drives the act of 照顾 one's parents.
• 帮助 (bāngzhù) - To help. This is a very general term. 照顾 is a specific, long-term, and responsible type of help.
• 处理 (chǔlǐ) - To handle, to deal with. The correct term for “taking care of” a problem, task, or situation.
• 解决 (jiějué) - To solve. The correct term for “taking care of” a problem by finding a solution.