kàndeqǐ: 看得起 - To Think Highly Of, To Respect, To Hold in High Regard

• Keywords: kàndeqǐ, kandeqi, 看得起 meaning, 看得起 in English, kànbuqǐ, 看不起, Chinese word for respect, think highly of, Chinese social status, potential complement, 高看一眼, 瞧不起
• Summary: Learn the crucial Chinese term 看得起 (kàndeqǐ), which means “to think highly of” or “to respect.” This page explores its deep cultural meaning beyond a simple translation, showing how it relates to social status, “face” (面子), and personal validation in China. Understand the difference between `kàndeqǐ` and its more common negative form, `看不起 (kànbuqǐ)` (to look down on), and learn how to use this essential potential complement in real-life conversations to grasp the dynamics of Chinese social interactions.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kàn de qǐ
• Part of Speech: Verb (Potential Complement)
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To hold someone in high esteem or to think highly of them.
• In a Nutshell: Literally translating to “can look up,” 看得起 (kàndeqǐ) describes a specific type of respect based on a positive evaluation of someone's ability, character, or social standing. It’s not just polite respect; it’s a feeling of genuine admiration or validation from another person. Being “看得起” by a boss, an elder, or a peer is a significant form of social approval in Chinese culture.

• 看 (kàn): To look, to see, to watch. The character is a combination of a hand (手) over an eye (目), vividly picturing someone shielding their eyes to get a better look.
• 得 (de): A structural particle used in potential complements. It acts like a bridge between a verb and its result, indicating whether the action is possible. Here, it means “can” or “able to.”
• 起 (qǐ): To rise, to get up, upward. It signifies an upward motion or direction.

When combined, 看得起 (kàn de qǐ) literally means “able to look up at” someone. This physical metaphor perfectly captures the abstract idea of holding someone in high esteem or placing them on a higher social or personal level than oneself.

`看得起` is a term deeply embedded in the social fabric of China, and it reveals a lot about cultural values like hierarchy, face (面子, miànzi), and relationships (关系, guānxi). While Western cultures have the concept of “respect,” `看得起` is different. “Respect” in English can often be a default setting (e.g., “respect your elders” or “respect the law”), implying a baseline level of civility or acknowledgement of authority. `看得起`, however, is almost always an earned judgment. It implies that someone has actively assessed you and found you worthy. For example, a boss who `看得起` you doesn't just respect your position; they value your skills and see your potential. A potential father-in-law who `看得起` his daughter's boyfriend isn't just being polite; he has judged the young man's character, career, and background and given his approval. This makes being “looked down on,” or `看不起 (kànbuqǐ)`, a particularly sharp insult. It’s not just a disagreement; it's a personal and social rejection. The dynamic between `看得起` and `看不起` is a constant undercurrent in workplaces, families, and social circles, reflecting the importance of social validation and not losing face.

This term is frequently used to describe interpersonal dynamics, especially concerning power, status, and ability.

It's crucial in a professional context. An employee craves to be `看得起` by their manager, as this often leads to promotions, better projects, and trust.

“My boss really thinks highly of me; he gave me the entire project.”
`老板很看得起我，把整个项目都交给我了。`

It's often used when discussing approval, especially from elders or peers. A common trope in Chinese dramas involves a character from a humble background striving to be `看得起` by their wealthy partner's family.

“If you don't have a stable job, her parents definitely won't think highly of you.”
`你没有一份稳定的工作，她父母肯定会看不起你的。` (Note the use of the negative form).

While `看得起` is positive, its negative form, `看不起 (kànbuqǐ)`, is arguably used more frequently in everyday conversation. People often complain about being looked down on (“他看不起我” - He looks down on me) or use it as a defiant question (“你看不起我吗？” - Are you looking down on me?). Using the positive form `看得起` can sometimes be a way to express gratitude for being given a chance or a great responsibility. For example, “谢谢你这么看得起我” (Thank you for thinking so highly of me).

• Example 1:
• 老板这么看得起你，你可要好好干啊！
• Pinyin: Lǎobǎn zhème kàndeqǐ nǐ, nǐ kě yào hǎohǎo gàn a!
• English: The boss thinks so highly of you, you'd better do a good job!
• Analysis: This is a classic example of encouragement in the workplace. The phrase implies that the high regard of the boss is a responsibility that must be lived up to.
• Example 2:
• 别担心，他不是看不起你，他只是对所有人都很严格。
• Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, tā bùshì kànbuqǐ nǐ, tā zhǐshì duì suǒyǒu rén dōu hěn yángé.
• English: Don't worry, it's not that he looks down on you, he's just strict with everyone.
• Analysis: This sentence uses the negative antonym `看不起 (kànbuqǐ)`. It’s a common way to reassure someone who feels they've been slighted.
• Example 3:
• 谢谢你看得起我，把这么重要的任务交给我。
• Pinyin: Xièxiè nǐ kàndeqǐ wǒ, bǎ zhème zhòngyào de rènwù jiāo gěi wǒ.
• English: Thank you for thinking highly enough of me to give me such an important task.
• Analysis: This is a polite and slightly formal way to accept a responsibility. It shows humility and acknowledges the trust being placed in you.
• Example 4:
• 我努力学习和工作，就是为了让那些曾经看不起我的人后悔。
• Pinyin: Wǒ nǔlì xuéxí hé gōngzuò, jiùshì wèile ràng nàxiē céngjīng kànbuqǐ wǒ de rén hòuhuǐ.
• English: I study and work hard just to make those who once looked down on me regret it.
• Analysis: This sentence powerfully illustrates the cultural weight of `看不起`. It can be a strong motivator for self-improvement.
• Example 5:
• 你以为你有钱就了不起吗？我才看不起你这种人。
• Pinyin: Nǐ yǐwéi nǐ yǒu qián jiù liǎobuqǐ ma? Wǒ cái kànbuqǐ nǐ zhè zhǒng rén.
• English: You think you're so great just because you have money? I'm the one who actually looks down on people like you.
• Analysis: A fiery and defiant use of `看不起`. This shows that respect (`看得起`) isn't just about wealth; it can also be about character. `才 (cái)` adds emphasis, meaning “on the contrary.”
• Example 6:
• 他是全公司唯一一个我看得起的领导。
• Pinyin: Tā shì quán gōngsī wéiyī yíge wǒ kàndeqǐ de lǐngdǎo.
• English: He is the only leader in the entire company that I hold in high regard.
• Analysis: This highlights the selective and judgmental nature of `看得起`. It's not given freely; it's a specific evaluation.
• Example 7:
• 一个人首先要看得起自己，别人才会看得起你。
• Pinyin: Yíge rén shǒuxiān yào kàndeqǐ zìjǐ, biérén cái huì kàndeqǐ nǐ.
• English: A person must first have self-respect (think highly of oneself), only then will others respect you.
• Analysis: This is a common piece of advice, equating `看得起自己` with self-esteem. It frames respect from others as a direct result of self-respect.
• Example 8:
• 你能来参加我的婚礼，真是太看得起我了！
• Pinyin: Nǐ néng lái cānjiā wǒ de hūnlǐ, zhēnshi tài kàndeqǐ wǒ le!
• English: For you to come to my wedding, you really honor me (think highly of me)!
• Analysis: This is a polite, almost formulaic expression of gratitude, especially when a guest of high status attends an event. It's a way of showing humility and giving the guest “face.”
• Example 9:
• 他虽然穷，但没有人看不起他，因为他很正直。
• Pinyin: Tā suīrán qióng, dàn méiyǒu rén kànbuqǐ tā, yīnwèi tā hěn zhèngzhí.
• English: Although he is poor, no one looks down on him because he has great integrity.
• Analysis: This sentence provides a nice contrast, showing that moral character can earn respect and prevent others from `看不起` you, even without material wealth.
• Example 10:
• 你是不是看不起我的能力？为什么不让我试试？
• Pinyin: Nǐ shì bùshì kànbuqǐ wǒ de nénglì? Wèishéme bù ràng wǒ shìshi?
• English: Are you looking down on my abilities? Why won't you let me try?
• Analysis: A confrontational question used when someone feels they are being underestimated or unfairly excluded. It directly challenges the other person's judgment.

• `看得起` vs. `尊敬 (zūnjìng)`: This is a common point of confusion.
• `尊敬 (zūnjìng)` is a more formal, abstract respect. You `尊敬` your teachers, national heroes, or the elderly out of a sense of duty or admiration for their position/moral character.
• `看得起 (kàndeqǐ)` is more personal, informal, and judgmental. It's based on an assessment of someone's current ability, status, or potential. You might `尊敬` the office of the CEO, but only `看得起` a CEO who you believe is competent.
• Incorrect Usage - Don't Use for Objects: `看得起` is used for people. You cannot `看得起` a book, a movie, or an idea.
• Incorrect: 我很看得起这个计划。 (Wǒ hěn kàndeqǐ zhège jìhuà.)
• Correct: 我很欣赏这个计划。 (Wǒ hěn xīnshǎng zhège jìhuà.) - “I really appreciate this plan.”
• The “Seeking Validation” Tone: Be careful when using the positive form `看得起` to refer to yourself. Saying “你要看得起我” (You must think highly of me) can sound demanding or desperate. It is more naturally used to express gratitude (“谢谢你看得起我”) or to describe a third-party relationship (“他很看得起她”).

• 看不起 (kànbuqǐ) - The direct antonym: to look down on, to despise. Essential for understanding `看得起`.
• 瞧不起 (qiáobuqǐ) - A very close synonym for `看不起`, sometimes considered slightly more colloquial or intense. `瞧 (qiáo)` also means “to look.”
• 面子 (miànzi) - The crucial concept of “face,” social standing, and reputation. Being `看得起` by others gives you `面子`.
• 尊敬 (zūnjìng) - A more formal, abstract term for “to respect” or “to revere.”
• 佩服 (pèifú) - To admire, usually for a specific skill, talent, or impressive feat. It's less about social status and more about capability.
• 欣赏 (xīnshǎng) - To appreciate or to admire. It can be used for people's qualities, but also for art, music, and scenery, making it broader than `看得起`.
• 高看一眼 (gāokàn yī yǎn) - Literally “to give a higher look.” A close synonym for `看得起`, meaning to think more highly of someone, often after they've proven themselves.
• 刮目相看 (guāmùxiāngkàn) - A chengyu (idiom) meaning to look at someone with new eyes; to be impressed by someone's sudden improvement. It's a specific action, whereas `看得起` can be a continuous state.