B2 adjective 10 min read
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. The phrase 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn) is generally beyond the active production requirements for A1, which focuses on immediate needs, basic greetings, and simple descriptions like big, small, good, or bad. However, as a receptive vocabulary item, it introduces a crucial grammatical concept: the verb 有 (to have). A1 learners should recognize that in Chinese, abstract qualities are often expressed by 'having' a noun, rather than just being an adjective. Just as you 'have money' (有钱) to mean rich, you 'have distant vision' to mean far-sighted. If an A1 learner encounters this word, they should focus on breaking it down into its characters. They likely already know 有 (have) and might know 见 (see/meet) from 再见 (goodbye). By learning 远 (far), they can piece together the meaning. It is a great word to demonstrate how Chinese characters combine logically to form complex ideas, laying the foundation for future vocabulary acquisition.
At the A2 level, learners begin to describe people, routines, and simple past or future events. They are learning to use degree adverbs like 很 (very), 非常 (extremely), and 真 (really). 有远见 becomes a fantastic word for A2 learners to practice describing personalities and making simple evaluations. A2 learners should practice the structure 'Subject + 很 + 有远见'. For example, they can say '我的爸爸很有远见' (My dad is very far-sighted) or '这个老板很有远见' (This boss is very visionary). This helps reinforce the rule that predicate adjectives need a degree modifier. Furthermore, A2 learners can practice negation. They must remember to use 没 (méi) instead of 不 (bù), saying '没有远见' (lacking foresight). This is a critical grammatical milestone at the A2 level, as distinguishing between 不 and 没 is often challenging for beginners. Using this word in simple, everyday contexts—like talking about family members or teachers—makes the learning process highly practical.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle a wider variety of topics, including work, education, and personal opinions. They can connect sentences and express reasons. 有远见 becomes highly active at this stage. B1 learners should use it to express opinions about decisions, plans, and people's choices. For example, they can say '他买那个房子很有远见,因为现在房子很贵' (He was very far-sighted to buy that house, because houses are very expensive now). This demonstrates the ability to link a descriptive trait to a concrete action and its consequence. Additionally, B1 learners must master the use of the particle 的 (de) to use 有远见 as an attributive adjective. They should confidently produce phrases like '一个有远见的决定' (a far-sighted decision) or '有远见的人' (a visionary person). They can also start using it in comparative sentences, such as '我觉得他比我有远见' (I think he is more far-sighted than me), which is a key grammar point for intermediate learners.
At the B2 level, learners are engaging with complex texts, news media, and professional environments. They can understand abstract concepts and participate in detailed discussions. 有远见 is a quintessential B2 vocabulary word because it frequently appears in business, technology, and social contexts. B2 learners should be able to use it to discuss corporate strategies, government policies, and global trends. For example, '这家公司的环保政策非常有远见' (This company's environmental policy is extremely visionary). At this level, learners should also be comfortable with synonyms and related terms, understanding the nuances between 有远见 and words like 聪明 (smart) or 策略 (strategy). They should be able to read a news article praising a leader's foresight and summarize it accurately. Furthermore, B2 learners can use the noun form 远见 on its own, such as in the phrase '缺乏远见' (lacking foresight) or '展现出非凡的远见' (demonstrating extraordinary foresight), showing a deeper mastery of the word's morphological flexibility.
At the C1 level, learners possess advanced operational proficiency. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, using language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. The use of 有远见 at this level goes beyond simple description; it is used in sophisticated argumentation and critique. C1 learners should seamlessly integrate this word into debates about historical events, long-term economic planning, or philosophical concepts. They might say, '在当时的社会背景下,他的改革无疑是极具远见的' (In the social context of that time, his reforms were undoubtedly highly visionary). They should also be familiar with four-character idioms (chengyu) that share similar meanings, such as 高瞻远瞩 (standing high and looking far) or 深谋远虑 (deep planning and distant consideration), and know exactly when to use the more conversational 有远见 versus the formal chengyu. C1 learners can manipulate the language to express sarcasm or deep disappointment, for instance, critiquing a policy as '不仅没有远见,而且极其短视' (not only lacking foresight but also extremely short-sighted).
At the C2 level, learners have attained near-native fluency. They understand subtle nuances, implied meanings, and cultural references. For a C2 learner, 有远见 is part of a vast, interconnected web of vocabulary. They understand its etymological roots and its resonance within Chinese philosophy, such as Confucian ideals of long-term societal harmony or Sun Tzu's strategic foresight. A C2 learner can use the word in highly literary or poetic contexts, or in rapid, high-stakes professional negotiations. They can effortlessly play with the structure, perhaps using it rhetorically: '所谓的远见,不过是建立在对历史深刻理解的基础之上' (So-called foresight is nothing more than being built on a foundation of profound historical understanding). They are completely immune to common grammatical mistakes and can correct others. They understand regional variations in tone and can use the antonyms, like 鼠目寸光 (mouse's vision, an inch long), with perfect comedic or critical timing. At this level, the word is a fully integrated tool for precise, elegant, and culturally resonant expression.
To truly understand the Chinese word 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn), we must first break down its individual characters and explore the deep cultural and philosophical roots that shape its meaning. The word is composed of three distinct characters. The first character, 有 (yǒu), is one of the most fundamental verbs in the Chinese language, meaning to have, to possess, or to exist. The second character, 远 (yuǎn), translates to far, distant, or remote, and can refer to physical distance as well as temporal distance, such as the distant future. The third character, 见 (jiàn), means sight, vision, view, or insight. When combined, these three characters literally translate to having far sight or possessing distant vision. In practical usage, however, 有远见 functions as a powerful adjective meaning far-sighted, visionary, or forward-looking. It describes individuals, plans, strategies, or decisions that demonstrate a profound understanding of long-term consequences and future developments, rather than focusing solely on immediate or short-term gains. This concept is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, which has historically placed a massive premium on long-term strategic planning, patience, and generational thinking. From ancient military treatises like Sun Tzu's Art of War, which emphasizes foresight and strategic calculation over brute force, to the multi-generational planning often seen in traditional Chinese family structures and modern governance, being far-sighted is considered a paramount virtue. In everyday conversation, you will frequently hear this word used to praise leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and educators. For example, if a business leader invests heavily in a new technology years before it becomes mainstream, people will describe them using this term.

Sentence 有远见 means to look beyond the present.

Furthermore, the word is not limited to describing people. It can also describe abstract concepts such as policies, investments, and advice.
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This term is crucial for business Chinese.
The grammatical structure is interesting because while it functions as an adjective in a sentence (e.g., 他很有远见 - He is very visionary), it is structurally a verb-object phrase (verb 有 + noun phrase 远见). This means it can be modified by adverbs of degree like 很 (very), 非常 (extremely), and 特别 (especially).

Sentence 有远见 is often used in performance reviews.

When people use this word, they are acknowledging a specific type of intelligence: the ability to anticipate the future.
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It contrasts sharply with short-sightedness.
In social settings, telling someone they are 有远见 is a highly respectful compliment. It shows that you value their intellect and their ability to plan.

Sentence 有远见 shows respect for elders.

Conversely, a lack of this quality is often criticized in Chinese society, where impulsive decisions are frowned upon. The usage extends into environmental discussions, where sustainable practices are described as visionary.

Sentence 有远见 applies to climate action.

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It is essential for advanced fluency.

Sentence 有远见 is a hallmark of great leadership.

Ultimately, mastering this word allows learners to express complex ideas about time, strategy, and human capability, bridging the gap between intermediate communication and advanced, culturally nuanced expression.
Using 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its unique grammatical properties and syntactic flexibility. Although it translates to the English adjective visionary or far-sighted, its structure as a verb-object compound (verb 有 + noun 远见) dictates how it interacts with other words in a Chinese sentence. The most common way to use it is as a predicate adjective modifying a person. In this structure, you almost always need an adverb of degree before it, such as 很 (very), 非常 (extremely), or 十分 (fully). For example, you would say 我们的老板很有远见 (Our boss is very visionary).

Sentence 有远见 requires modifiers.

If you omit the adverb and simply say 他有远见, it can sound slightly incomplete or comparative, unless used in a specific context like a list of attributes. Another frequent use case is as an attributive adjective modifying a noun. When used this way, you must include the structural particle 的 (de) to link the adjective to the noun. Common phrases include 有远见的领导 (a visionary leader), 有远见的决定 (a far-sighted decision), and 有远见的计划 (a forward-looking plan).
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Attributive usage is highly common in formal writing.

Sentence 有远见 modifies nouns with 的.

You can also use it in negative sentences. To negate 有远见, you use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méi yǒu), resulting in 没有远见 (lacking foresight). For example, 这个计划没有远见 (This plan lacks foresight).
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Negation uses 没, never 不.

Sentence 有远见 is negated as 没有远见.

It is crucial to remember that because 有 is a verb, you cannot use 不 (bù) to negate it; saying 不有远见 is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, this phrase can be used in comparative structures. You can say A比B有远见 (A is more visionary than B) or A不如B有远见 (A is not as visionary as B). In more advanced sentence patterns, you might see it combined with other idiomatic expressions. For instance, you could say 作为一个有远见的企业家,他... (As a visionary entrepreneur, he...).

Sentence 有远见 fits well in complex clauses.

Understanding these syntactic rules ensures that your Chinese sounds natural, professional, and grammatically precise, especially in business or academic contexts.
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Mastering this elevates your CEFR level.

Sentence 有远见 is key for B2 fluency.

Practice these structures repeatedly to build muscle memory.
The phrase 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn) is highly prevalent in specific contexts within Chinese society, making it a crucial vocabulary item for anyone looking to engage deeply with Chinese media, business, and culture. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the corporate world. During business meetings, performance reviews, and strategic planning sessions, leaders and employees frequently use it to evaluate proposals, investments, and market strategies. When a company decides to pivot its business model to anticipate future trends, such as shifting towards green energy or artificial intelligence, industry analysts and financial news anchors will describe the CEO or the board of directors as 很有远见.

Sentence 有远见 dominates business vocabulary.

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Listen for it in financial reports.
Beyond the boardroom, this word is a staple in political discourse and historical analysis. When watching Chinese historical dramas or documentaries, you will often hear narrators or characters praising legendary emperors, military strategists like Zhuge Liang, or reformist politicians for their foresight.

Sentence 有远见 describes great emperors.

In modern politics, government officials use it to describe long-term infrastructure projects, educational reforms, and economic five-year plans.
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It is common in government speeches.
You will also hear it in educational and parenting contexts. Chinese parents place a heavy emphasis on education as a long-term investment. A parent who sacrifices short-term comforts to save for their child's university education, or who encourages their child to learn skills that will be valuable in the future, is often praised by friends and relatives as being 有远见.

Sentence 有远见 is a compliment for parents.

In everyday conversations among friends, it might be used slightly more casually, for instance, if a friend bought an apartment in an up-and-coming neighborhood before prices skyrocketed, you would definitely say they were 很有远见.

Sentence 有远见 applies to smart investments.

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Real estate conversations feature this heavily.

Sentence 有远见 is versatile across domains.

Thus, whether you are reading the financial section of a Chinese newspaper, watching a historical epic, or chatting with friends about life planning, this word is ubiquitous and essential.
When English speakers learn the word 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn), they often make several predictable grammatical and semantic mistakes due to direct translation habits and a misunderstanding of its syntactic nature. The most glaring and frequent error is attempting to negate the word using 不 (bù). Because English speakers think of visionary as a pure adjective, they naturally want to say 不有远见 (not visionary), analogous to 不聪明 (not smart) or 不好 (not good). However, because the core of the word is the verb 有 (to have), it must strictly be negated with 没 (méi) or 没有 (méi yǒu). Saying 不有远见 is an immediate marker of a non-native speaker.

Sentence 有远见 must be negated with 没.

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Never say 不有远见.
Another common mistake involves the omission of degree adverbs. In English, you can simply say He is visionary. If you translate this directly to Chinese as 他有远见, while technically understandable, it sounds abrupt and grammatically naked in standard Mandarin. Chinese predicate adjectives typically require a degree adverb like 很 (very) to sound complete and balanced. Therefore, you should always say 他很有远见.

Sentence 有远见 loves the word 很.

A third mistake is confusing it with related but distinct concepts, such as 聪明 (smart/clever) or 乐观 (optimistic). Being smart (聪明) refers to general intelligence or quick-wittedness, which does not necessarily imply long-term planning. A person can be very smart but lack foresight. Similarly, being optimistic (乐观) is about having a positive attitude toward the future, whereas 有远见 is about having a strategic, realistic, and deeply analytical understanding of future trends.
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Do not mix up intelligence with foresight.

Sentence 有远见 is specific to long-term planning.

Furthermore, learners sometimes forget the structural particle 的 (de) when using it to modify a noun. Saying 有远见领导 instead of 有远见的领导 is grammatically incorrect.

Sentence 有远见 requires 的 as a modifier.

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Attention to grammar particles is key.

Sentence 有远见 mastery avoids these traps.

By actively avoiding these common pitfalls, learners can ensure their usage of this sophisticated vocabulary word remains accurate, natural, and highly impressive to native speakers.
The Chinese language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to wisdom, planning, and foresight, offering several nuanced alternatives to 有远见 (yǒu yuǎn jiàn) depending on the exact context and desired register. One of the most common synonyms is 高瞻远瞩 (gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ). This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means to stand high and look far. It is much more formal and literary than 有远见 and is typically reserved for praising great leaders, historical figures, or monumental strategic plans.

Sentence 有远见 has poetic alternatives like 高瞻远瞩.

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Use chengyu for formal writing.
Another related chengyu is 深谋远虑 (shēn móu yuǎn lǜ), which translates to deep planning and distant consideration. While 有远见 focuses on the ability to see the future, 深谋远虑 emphasizes the rigorous, careful calculation and strategic plotting required to prepare for that future. It is often used in political or military contexts.

Sentence 有远见 differs slightly from deep plotting.

For a more modern, academic, or corporate alternative, you can use 前瞻性 (qián zhān xìng), which means forward-looking nature or proactiveness. This is a noun often used as a modifier, as in 具有前瞻性的战略 (a forward-looking strategy). It sounds highly professional and is frequently found in business reports and academic papers.
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前瞻性 is perfect for corporate reports.

Sentence 有远见 can be swapped with 前瞻性.

On the flip side, if you want to express the opposite (antonyms), the most common phrase is 目光短浅 (mù guāng duǎn qiǎn), meaning short-sighted. This literally translates to sight is short and shallow. Another antonym is 鼠目寸光 (shǔ mù cùn guāng), a highly derogatory chengyu meaning a mouse's vision is only an inch long, used to mock someone who only sees immediate, petty gains.

Sentence 有远见 is the opposite of a mouse's vision.

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Knowing antonyms enriches your vocabulary.

Sentence 有远见 is part of a rich semantic web.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language precisely to the situation, whether you are writing a formal essay, drafting a business proposal, or engaging in casual debate.

Examples by Level

1

他很有远见。

He is very far-sighted.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

2

你有远见吗?

Are you far-sighted?

Basic yes/no question with 吗.

3

我没有远见。

I do not have foresight.

Negation with 没.

4

爸爸很有远见。

Dad is very visionary.

Using family members as subjects.

5

老师有远见。

The teacher has foresight.

Simple statement.

6

她非常很有远见。

She is extremely visionary.

Using 非常 for extreme degree.

7

这不是有远见。

This is not far-sighted.

Using 不是 to negate the whole phrase.

8

谁有远见?

Who has foresight?

Question word 谁.

1

我的老板很有远见。

My boss is very visionary.

Possessive pronoun + noun subject.

2

这个决定很有远见。

This decision is very far-sighted.

Using demonstrative pronouns.

3

他买房子很有远见。

He was very far-sighted to buy a house.

Action + adjective evaluation.

4

有远见的人很多。

There are many visionary people.

Using 的 to modify a noun.

5

我觉得她很有远见。

I think she is very visionary.

Expressing opinion with 觉得.

6

哥哥比我有远见。

My older brother is more far-sighted than me.

Comparative structure with 比.

7

那么做没有远见。

Doing that lacks foresight.

Using 那么 as an adverbial.

8

我们需要有远见的朋友。

We need visionary friends.

Verb + Object modified by adjective.

1

作为一个领导,他非常有远见。

As a leader, he is extremely visionary.

Using 作为 (as).

2

虽然他很年轻,但很有远见。

Although he is young, he is very far-sighted.

虽然...但... structure.

3

这是一个非常有远见的计划。

This is an extremely forward-looking plan.

Complex noun phrase with 的.

4

如果当时有远见,现在就不会这样了。

If there had been foresight then, it wouldn't be like this now.

Conditional 如果...就...

5

大家都很佩服他的远见。

Everyone admires his foresight.

Using 远见 as a pure noun.

6

为了公司的未来,我们必须有远见。

For the company's future, we must be visionary.

为了 (for the sake of) structure.

7

他不仅聪明,而且很有远见。

He is not only smart but also very visionary.

不仅...而且... structure.

8

缺乏远见会导致失败。

Lacking foresight will lead to failure.

Using 缺乏 with the noun form.

1

这项环保政策充分体现了政府的远见。

This environmental policy fully reflects the government's foresight.

Formal vocabulary: 体现 (reflect).

2

在瞬息万变的市场中,有远见的投资至关重要。

In a rapidly changing market, visionary investment is crucial.

Advanced modifiers and idioms (瞬息万变).

3

他凭借着非凡的远见,成功避开了经济危机。

Relying on his extraordinary foresight, he successfully avoided the economic crisis.

凭借 (relying on) structure.

4

与其追求短期利益,不如做一个有远见的企业家。

Rather than pursuing short-term profits, it's better to be a visionary entrepreneur.

与其...不如... structure.

5

事实证明,他当初的决定是极具远见的。

Facts have proved that his original decision was highly visionary.

极具 (highly possess) formal modifier.

6

缺乏远见的管理层最终导致了公司的破产。

A management team lacking foresight ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy.

Complex cause and effect.

7

我们需要培养下一代的长远眼光和远见卓识。

We need to cultivate the next generation's long-term perspective and profound foresight.

Using paired synonymous concepts.

8

他的远见使得这项技术提前十年问世。

His foresight caused this technology to be introduced ten years early.

Causative verb 使得.

1

在历史的转折点上,领导人的远见往往能决定一个国家的命运。

At historical turning points, a leader's foresight can often determine a nation's destiny.

Abstract philosophical context.

2

这种只顾眼前利益的做法,暴露出决策者毫无远见。

This practice of only caring about immediate interests exposes the decision-makers' complete lack of foresight.

Idiomatic expression 只顾眼前利益.

3

他的学术研究极具前瞻性和远见,为后人指明了方向。

His academic research is highly forward-looking and visionary, pointing the way for future generations.

Combining similar advanced terms (前瞻性).

4

不可否认,那是一项富有远见的战略部署。

Undeniably, that was a visionary strategic deployment.

Formal adjective 富有 (rich in).

5

真正的远见,是能够透过现象看本质,预判未来的发展趋势。

True foresight is the ability to see the essence through phenomena and predict future development trends.

Philosophical definition structure.

6

由于缺乏长远规划和远见,该项目最终流产。

Due to a lack of long-term planning and foresight, the project ultimately aborted.

Formal written Chinese (书面语).

7

他以超乎常人的远见,在行业低谷期进行了大规模并购。

With foresight beyond ordinary people, he conducted large-scale mergers and acquisitions during the industry's trough.

Advanced prepositional phrase 以...

8

远见并非凭空产生,而是建立在对宏观经济的深刻洞察之上。

Foresight does not appear out of nowhere; rather, it is built upon profound insights into the macroeconomy.

并非...而是... structure.

1

纵观古今,凡成大事者,无不具备高瞻远瞩的远见。

Looking throughout history, all who achieve great things invariably possess far-reaching foresight.

Classical Chinese influence (无不, 凡...者).

2

他那洞穿时代的远见,至今仍令学界叹为观止。

His foresight, which pierced through his era, still leaves the academic world in awe today.

Literary modifiers (洞穿时代, 叹为观止).

3

在资本的狂欢中保持清醒的远见,实属难能可贵。

Maintaining sober foresight amidst the carnival of capital is truly rare and commendable.

Idiomatic critique (难能可贵).

4

政策的制定若无远见托底,便如无源之水,难以长久。

If policymaking lacks the foundation of foresight, it is like water without a source, difficult to sustain.

Metaphorical idiom (无源之水).

5

世人多被眼前的蝇头小利所惑,鲜少有人能抱持真正的远见。

Most people in the world are deluded by petty immediate gains; very few can hold onto true foresight.

Advanced literary vocabulary (蝇头小利, 鲜少).

6

他的远见不仅体现在商业版图的扩张,更在于对人性的深刻体察。

His foresight is reflected not only in the expansion of his business empire but even more so in his profound observation of human nature.

Complex balanced sentence structure.

7

剥去浮华的表象,其核心战略的远见卓识方才显露无遗。

Stripping away the flashy exterior, the profound foresight of its core strategy is finally fully revealed.

Literary phrasing (显露无遗).

8

所谓远见,不过是逆人性而动,在喧嚣中坚守长期的常识。

So-called foresight is merely acting against human nature, adhering to long-term common sense amidst the noise.

Philosophical paradox structure.

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