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B2 verb 11 min read

瞻仰

zhanyang

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 瞻仰 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 瞻仰 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) yourself, as it is a very formal and difficult word. However, you might see it if you visit famous places in China like the Great Wall or a big statue. Just remember that it means 'to look at something very important with respect.' If you want to say you are looking at something, you should still use '看' (kàn). Think of '瞻仰' as a 'super-respectful look' that you only use for heroes or very special monuments. For example, if you see a statue of a famous person, a Chinese speaker might say '瞻仰' instead of '看' because they want to show they think that person was great. In your English mind, you can translate it as 'to look up to' or 'to honor with one's eyes.' Don't worry about the grammar for now; just recognize the two characters: 瞻 (which has a 'mouth' and 'eye' parts) and 仰 (which looks like a person looking up).

For A2 learners, '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) is a word you should recognize as being related to 'respectful visiting.' You might encounter it in simple travel brochures or signs at historical sites. It is a verb. When you go to a place like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, the sign might say '欢迎瞻仰' (Welcome to pay your respects). In A2, you can start to distinguish it from '参观' (cānguān). '参观' is what you do at a zoo or a factory—you just go and look. '瞻仰' is what you do at a memorial—you go and feel respect while looking. A good way to remember it is that '仰' (yǎng) is the same '仰' in '仰卧起坐' (sit-ups), where you are looking up. So, '瞻仰' is 'looking up' at someone great. You won't use this in daily life with your friends, but it's good to know for formal situations.

At the B1 level, you should understand the specific contexts where '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) is required. This word is a formal verb used to describe the act of looking at something with deep reverence or admiration. It is commonly used in the context of historical figures, revolutionary heroes, or religious icons. You should be able to identify that the object of '瞻仰' must be something of high status. For example, '瞻仰纪念碑' (to pay respects to a monument) or '瞻仰遗容' (to view the remains of the deceased). At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with '仰望' (yǎngwàng), which is more about the physical act of looking up at the sky or a tall building. Use '瞻仰' when you want to emphasize the emotional and moral weight of the act of seeing. It is a very 'heavy' word that adds a layer of solemnity to your descriptions of visiting historical or sacred places.

B2 is the level where you are expected to use '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) correctly in formal writing and speech. You should understand that this word is not just a synonym for 'visit' or 'look at,' but a cultural marker of respect. It is frequently used in news reports, formal essays, and descriptions of national heritage. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, often paired with adverbs like '肃穆地' (solemnly) or '怀着崇敬的心情' (with feelings of reverence). You should also understand its role in the '瞻仰遗容' (paying respects to the deceased) ceremony, which is a significant part of Chinese social ritual. At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between '瞻仰' and other related words like '敬仰' (abstract respect) and '参观' (neutral visiting). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its appropriateness for specific, high-status objects.

For C1 learners, '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) should be part of your active formal vocabulary. You should be sensitive to the nuances it brings to a text—how it elevates the tone and establishes a relationship of reverence between the subject and the object. You should be able to use it metaphorically or in high-level literary contexts, such as '瞻仰大自然的鬼斧神工' (looking with reverence at the supernatural craftsmanship of nature). At this level, you should also be aware of the word's etymological roots and how the characters '瞻' and '仰' function together to create a sense of 'looking up and forward' with intent. You should be able to critique the use of the word in different texts, identifying when it is used to create a sense of national identity or religious awe. Your mastery should include knowing the common four-character phrases and classical-style constructions where this word often appears in modern formal prose.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '瞻仰' (zhānyǎng) should be near-native. You should recognize its role in the broader 'lexicon of respect' in the Chinese language and how it interacts with political, religious, and historical discourse. You should be able to use it with perfect precision in academic papers, formal speeches, or high-level creative writing. You should also understand its historical evolution from classical Chinese to the modern formal register. Furthermore, you should be able to detect subtle shifts in meaning or tone when the word is used in unconventional ways, such as in ironic or subversive literature. Your command of the word should include an intuitive sense of its 'collocational range'—knowing exactly which objects are '瞻仰-able' and which are not, based on deep cultural knowledge. You should be able to discuss the word's impact on the reader's perception of the subject's character and the object's significance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

瞻仰 in 30 Seconds

瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) means to look at something with deep respect and reverence, usually reserved for monuments, heroes, or religious icons.
It is a highly formal verb used in news, history, and funeral contexts, distinguishing it from the casual 'to look.'
Commonly paired with objects like '纪念碑' (monument) or '遗容' (remains), emphasizing a spiritual or moral connection.
Unlike the physical '仰望' (looking up), 瞻仰 focuses on the internal feeling of veneration and social hierarchy.

The Chinese verb 瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) is a specialized term that translates to 'to look at with reverence' or 'to pay homage to.' Unlike the common verbs for seeing like 看 (kàn) or 见 (jiàn), 瞻仰 carries a heavy weight of emotional and spiritual respect. It is almost exclusively reserved for objects, places, or people that command high social, historical, or religious status. When you use this word, you are not just describing a visual action; you are describing an act of internal veneration. The character 瞻 (zhān) implies looking far or looking up, while 仰 (yǎng) specifically means to look upward, often used metaphorically to mean 'to admire' or 'to rely upon.'

Register and Tone: This is a highly formal word. You would encounter it in news broadcasts, history books, and formal travel guides. It is never used in casual conversation to describe looking at mundane objects. For instance, you would never '瞻仰' a television or a menu.
Common Objects: The objects of this verb are typically monuments (纪念碑), statues of great figures (伟人塑像), historical sites (故居), or the remains of a respected person during a funeral ceremony (遗容).

成千上万的人排队前往纪念堂，只为瞻仰伟人的遗容。
— Thousands of people queued to the memorial hall just to pay their respects to the great leader's remains.

In a cultural context, 瞻仰 reflects the Confucian values of hierarchy and respect for ancestors and heroes. It implies that the observer is in a lower position, looking up—both physically and morally—at something greater than themselves. This word is essential for understanding Chinese news reports regarding state visits to revolutionary sites or descriptions of national mourning. It creates a sense of solemnity and gravity that other verbs lack. If a writer chooses 瞻仰 over 参观 (cānguān, to visit/tour), they are signaling that the visit is a pilgrimage rather than a mere sightseeing trip.

我们怀着崇敬的心情瞻仰了烈士纪念碑。
— We paid our respects at the Martyrs' Memorial with a feeling of deep reverence.

Historical Depth: The use of 瞻仰 dates back to classical Chinese texts where it was used to describe looking at the heavens or the emperor. In modern usage, while the emperor is gone, the linguistic structure remains to honor those who have made significant contributions to the nation or humanity.

Furthermore, 瞻仰 is often paired with adverbs that describe the state of mind, such as 肃穆地 (sùmù de, solemnly) or 怀着崇敬的心情 (huáizhe chóngjìng de xīnqíng, with a heart of reverence). This highlights that the verb describes an internal experience as much as an external action. When a student '瞻仰' the statue of their school's founder, they are expected to be thinking about the founder's legacy and how to emulate their virtues. It is a verb of connection between the present observer and the historical or spiritual significance of the object.

游客们在导游的带领下，静静地瞻仰了大佛。
— Led by the guide, the tourists quietly looked up at the Giant Buddha with reverence.

Using 瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) correctly requires a firm grasp of both its grammatical placement and its semantic constraints. Grammatically, it functions as a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object. However, the 'who' and the 'what' of the sentence are strictly governed by social protocol and the level of respect intended.

Syntactic Structure: The basic structure is: [Subject] + [Adverbial of Manner/Feeling] + 瞻仰 + [Respectable Object]. Because it is a formal word, it is rarely used in short, clipped sentences. It usually appears in longer, descriptive sentences that set a scene of dignity.

每逢清明节，都有许多市民自发前往烈士陵园瞻仰。
— Every Qingming Festival, many citizens spontaneously go to the martyrs' cemetery to pay their respects.

One of the most critical aspects of using 瞻仰 is the choice of the object. You should only use it for things that are physically or metaphorically 'above' the speaker. This includes religious icons, national symbols, and the remains of the deceased. It is the go-to verb for 'paying respects' at a funeral, specifically when viewing the body. In this context, the phrase is almost always 瞻仰遗容 (zhānyǎng yíróng).

Common Collocations

瞻仰伟人 (Pay respects to a great person)
瞻仰纪念碑 (Pay respects to a monument)
瞻仰故居 (Visit a former residence of a famous person with reverence)
瞻仰遗像 (Look at a portrait of the deceased with respect)

他们站在泰山顶上，瞻仰着这壮丽的自然景观，心中充满了敬畏。
— Standing on the summit of Mount Tai, they looked upon the magnificent natural landscape with awe and reverence. (Note: Here, nature is personified as something worthy of 瞻仰).

In terms of tense and aspect, 瞻仰 is often used with the aspect particle 了 (le) to indicate the completion of the act of paying respects. It is seldom used with the progressive 正在 (zhèngzài) because the act itself is considered a discrete, ritualistic event rather than a continuous activity. You would say 'I have paid respects' rather than 'I am currently paying respects' in most formal writing.

代表团一行专程前往延安，瞻仰革命旧址。
— The delegation made a special trip to Yan'an to pay their respects at the old revolutionary sites.

Finally, be careful not to confuse 瞻仰 with its synonym 仰望 (yǎngwàng). While both involve looking up, 仰望 is a neutral physical description (like looking at the stars), whereas 瞻仰 is a moral and emotional description. If you say you '仰望' a monument, you are just looking at its top. If you '瞻仰' it, you are honoring the history it represents.

Understanding the environment in which 瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) appears is key to mastering its usage. You won't hear this at a noisy night market or in a romantic comedy. Instead, it belongs to the 'Sacred and Serious' domains of Chinese life.

1. State Media and News: On CCTV's 'Xinwen Lianbo' (News Broadcast), you will frequently hear this word when leaders visit historical sites or memorial halls. It is a linguistic marker of political and historical legitimacy. When the broadcast says a leader '瞻仰' a site, it signals that the leader is connecting with the foundational values of the nation.

新闻报道说，各国领导人纷纷前往公墓瞻仰无名烈士墓。
— The news reported that leaders from various countries went to the cemetery to pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In documentaries (纪录片) about history or art, 瞻仰 is used to describe the way we should view historical artifacts or the works of old masters. It sets a reverent tone for the viewer, suggesting that what is being shown is not just an object, but a piece of heritage.

2. Funerals and Memorial Services: In the context of a funeral (葬礼), the most solemn moment is often the '瞻仰遗容' (viewing of the remains). This is the final opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects. In this setting, the word is spoken in hushed tones and is a standard part of the funeral liturgy or program.

在告别仪式上，亲友们依次绕灵柩一周，最后一次瞻仰逝者的遗容。
— At the farewell ceremony, relatives and friends walked around the coffin one by one to pay their final respects to the deceased's remains.

Tourists at sites of significant historical or religious importance will see this word on signage. For example, at the Leshan Giant Buddha or the terracotta warriors, signs might use 瞻仰 to remind visitors that these are not just photo opportunities, but sacred or historical treasures. It serves as a subtle linguistic nudge toward respectful behavior.

3. Literature and Formal Writing: In high-level literature, especially essays (散文) or biographies, authors use 瞻仰 to describe a character's internal transformation when encountering something sublime. It elevates the prose, moving it from simple description to philosophical reflection.

他独自一人来到先贤祠，静静地瞻仰着那些改变了世界的名字。
— He came to the Pantheon alone, quietly looking with reverence at those names that changed the world.

In summary, you hear 瞻仰 wherever there is a need for dignity, historical continuity, or spiritual depth. It is a word that demands silence and attention.

Because 瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) is a high-level vocabulary word with a very specific 'flavor,' learners often make mistakes by overusing it or applying it to inappropriate contexts. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. The 'Mundane Object' Mistake: This is the most frequent error. Learners might think 瞻仰 is just a fancy word for 'look at' and use it for things like movies, beautiful scenery (that isn't sacred), or even friends. Incorrect: '我瞻仰了那部新电影' (I reverently looked at that new movie). Correct: '我看过了那部新电影'.

错误用法示例：他在商店里瞻仰了一件漂亮的衣服。
— Mistake: He reverently looked at a beautiful dress in the shop. (Too dramatic!)

Remember: 瞻仰 requires an object of profound historical, moral, or religious significance. If you can buy it in a store, you probably shouldn't be '瞻仰'-ing it.

2. Confusing 瞻仰 with 仰望 (yǎngwàng): While both contain '仰' (upward), 仰望 is a physical description. You 仰望 the sky, the stars, or a tall building. 瞻仰 is a spiritual description. If you say '我瞻仰星空' (I reverently look at the starry sky), it sounds like you are a poet or a mystic. For normal people, '仰望星空' is correct.

3. Using it for Negative Figures: Since 瞻仰 implies respect and admiration, it should never be used for villains or people the speaker dislikes. You wouldn't '瞻仰' the statue of a tyrant unless you were being extremely sarcastic or were a supporter of that tyrant. Using it for a negative figure creates a massive tone clash.

对比：我们去瞻仰孔庙 (We pay respects at the Temple of Confucius) vs 我们去参观监狱 (We visit/tour a prison).

Finally, watch out for the grammatical structure. It is a verb, not a noun. You cannot say '给予瞻仰' (give a 瞻仰). You simply '瞻仰' the object. Also, ensure you don't use it for yourself. You cannot 瞻仰 your own work or your own reflection—that would be seen as incredibly arrogant or nonsensical.

4. Over-formality in Casual Speech: If you are talking to a friend about a trip to a museum, saying '我们去瞻仰了那些画' (We went to reverently look at those paintings) might make you sound like you're trying too hard to be formal. Use 欣赏 (xīnshǎng, to appreciate) or 参观 (cānguān, to visit) instead for most museum contexts unless the art is of a religious or national-hero nature.

To truly master 瞻仰 (zhānyǎng), you must know its neighbors in the semantic field of 'looking' and 'respecting.' Here is a breakdown of similar words and when to choose them.

瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) vs. 仰望 (yǎngwàng): 瞻仰: Focuses on the internal feeling of respect and reverence. Used for monuments, saints, and heroes.
仰望: Focuses on the physical act of looking up. Used for the sky, stars, tall buildings, or metaphorically 'looking up to' someone as a role model without the ritualistic 'visiting' aspect.

孩子仰望着星空；民众瞻仰着纪念碑。
— The child looks up at the stars; the people pay respects at the monument.

瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) vs. 敬仰 (jìngyǎng): 瞻仰: A physical action (actually looking at the person or object). You go somewhere to 瞻仰.
敬仰: An abstract feeling of deep respect and admiration. You can 敬仰 a person's character or achievements without ever seeing them. It is a state of mind rather than a physical act.

瞻仰 (zhānyǎng) vs. 参观 (cānguān): 瞻仰: Solemn, sacred, and respectful. Used for memorials.
参观: Neutral, informative, and educational. Used for factories, schools, normal museums, and tourist attractions. If you 参观 a memorial, you are just looking at the exhibits. If you 瞻仰 it, you are honoring the dead.

我们参观了博物馆，并瞻仰了伟人的遗物。
— We toured the museum and reverently viewed the great man's relics.

Other Alternatives

朝圣 (cháoshèng): To go on a pilgrimage. This is even more religious than 瞻仰.
祭奠 (jìdiàn): To hold a memorial ceremony for the dead (usually involves offerings).
缅怀 (miǎnhuái): To cherish the memory of; to commemorate (usually focusing on the past).

Choosing the right word shows your level of Chinese cultural literacy. In formal writing, using 瞻仰 when appropriate elevates your style and shows that you understand the emotional weight of the subject matter.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '瞻' (zhān) contains the '目' (eye) radical on the left, which clearly indicates it is related to vision. The right side '詹' (zhān) provides the phonetic component.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒæn jæŋ/

US /dʒæn jæŋ/

Second syllable (yǎng) has a dipping-rising third tone.

Rhymes With

张 (zhāng) 忙 (máng) 强 (qiáng) 王 (wáng) 光 (guāng) 双 (shuāng) 香 (xiāng) 想 (xiǎng - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 瞻 as 'zhān' (flat) correctly but failing the 3rd tone on 仰.
Confusing 瞻 (zhān) with 檐 (yán, eaves).
Misreading 仰 (yǎng) as 迎 (yíng, welcome).
Incorrectly using 1st tone for 仰.
Stress is often misplaced by English speakers who treat it as a single unit without tonal distinction.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The character 瞻 is complex and only appears in formal texts.

Writing 5/5

Writing 瞻 from memory is difficult for intermediate learners.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but finding the right context is the challenge.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized in formal audio like news or documentaries.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

看 (kàn) 尊敬 (zūnjìng) 纪念 (jìniàn) 伟大 (wěidà) 参观 (cānguān)

Learn Next

敬仰 (jìngyǎng) 缅怀 (miǎnhuái) 祭奠 (jìdiàn) 肃穆 (sùmù) 丰碑 (fēngbēi)

Advanced

景仰 (jìngyǎng) 膜拜 (móbài) 朝圣 (cháoshèng) 高山仰止 (gāoshān yǎngzhǐ) 顶礼膜拜 (dǐnglǐ móbài)

Grammar to Know

Using '怀着' to introduce emotions.

他怀着沉痛的心情瞻仰了遗容。

Directional verbs with 瞻仰.

大批游客涌向广场瞻仰纪念碑。

Passive voice with 瞻仰 (rare).

这位英雄的雕像每天都被无数人瞻仰。

The particle '了' for completed action.

我们已经瞻仰过了大师的故居。

Using '值得' for worthiness.

这些文化遗产值得全世界人民去瞻仰。

Examples by Level

我想去北京瞻仰长城。

I want to go to Beijing to look at the Great Wall (with respect).

A1 students can use '想去...瞻仰' as a simple pattern for visiting famous places.

很多人来这里瞻仰大佛。

Many people come here to look at the Great Buddha with reverence.

Subject + 来 + Place + 瞻仰 + Object.

我们要瞻仰伟人。

We should pay respect to great people.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

他在瞻仰纪念碑。

He is looking at the monument with respect.

Focus on the object '纪念碑' (monument).

大家静静地瞻仰。

Everyone is looking with respect quietly.

Using the adverb '静静地' (quietly) with the verb.

瞻仰是一种尊敬。

Looking with reverence is a kind of respect.

瞻仰 used as a subject/noun-like concept here.

去瞻仰孔子像吧。

Let's go look at the statue of Confucius with respect.

Imperative sentence using '吧'.

我喜欢瞻仰古迹。

I like to look at ancient sites with reverence.

Subject + 喜欢 + 瞻仰 + Object.

游客们排队瞻仰毛主席纪念堂。

Tourists queue to pay their respects at the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.

The object is a specific famous building.

我们怀着敬意瞻仰了这座雕像。

We looked at this statue with respect.

Using '怀着敬意' (with respect) as an adverbial phrase.

他在博物馆瞻仰了古代的文物。

He looked at the ancient relics in the museum with reverence.

The object is '文物' (cultural relics).

请大家安静地瞻仰遗容。

Please everyone pay your respects to the remains quietly.

A very specific formal phrase for funerals.

每年都有人来瞻仰烈士陵园。

Every year people come to pay respects at the martyrs' cemetery.

Subject + 每年 + 都 + Verb + Object.

来到这里，一定要瞻仰一下这块碑。

Coming here, you must take a respectful look at this stone tablet.

Using '一下' to soften the verb.

他在瞻仰先辈的画像。

He is looking at the portraits of his ancestors with reverence.

Object is '画像' (portrait).

我们去中山陵瞻仰孙中山先生。

We are going to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay respects to Mr. Sun Yat-sen.

Verb of motion '去' + Purpose '瞻仰'.

站在泰山之巅，瞻仰着祖国的壮丽山河。

Standing on the peak of Mount Tai, looking at the magnificent mountains and rivers of the motherland with reverence.

Metaphorical use for nature as a national symbol.

这件艺术品值得我们去瞻仰和学习。

This artwork is worthy of our reverent study and admiration.

Worthiness '值得' + Verb.

他专程从外地赶来，只为瞻仰大师的故居。

He came specifically from another place just to pay respects at the master's former residence.

Emphasis '只为' (just for).

在庄严的国歌声中，大家瞻仰着国旗升起。

During the solemn national anthem, everyone looked at the national flag rising with reverence.

Action happening during another action '在...中'.

瞻仰这些历史遗迹，让我们感受到了先人的智慧。

Paying respects to these historical remains allows us to feel the wisdom of our ancestors.

Gerund-like use of the verb as the subject clause.

他静静地站在塑像前，久久地瞻仰着。

He stood quietly in front of the statue, looking at it with reverence for a long time.

Using '久久地' (for a long time) as an adverb.

我们来到圣地，瞻仰了那些神圣的标志。

We came to the holy land and looked at those sacred symbols with reverence.

Specific use for religious contexts.

每一位来到这里的游客都会被这种气氛感染，肃然瞻仰。

Every tourist who comes here is affected by the atmosphere and looks with solemn reverence.

Using '肃然' (solemnly) to modify the verb.

他怀着崇敬的心情，瞻仰了这位科学巨匠的遗物。

With a heart full of reverence, he paid his respects to the relics of this scientific giant.

Using '怀着...的心情' (with the mood of...) to set the tone.

瞻仰烈士纪念碑不仅是对过去的缅怀，更是对未来的宣誓。

Paying respects at the martyrs' memorial is not only a commemoration of the past but also a pledge for the future.

A '不仅...更是' (not only... but also) structure.

在那个动荡的年代，人们依然冒着危险去瞻仰那座被查封的寺庙。

In those turbulent times, people still risked danger to pay their respects at that sealed temple.

Contrast between '危险' (danger) and the act of '瞻仰'.

这种建筑风格宏伟壮观，令人不禁想要停下脚步，肃立瞻仰。

This architectural style is so grand and magnificent that one cannot help but stop and stand in solemn reverence.

Using '令人不禁' (makes one cannot help but...).

他的一生都在为了能够瞻仰真理而奋斗。

He spent his whole life struggling to be able to look upon the truth with reverence.

Metaphorical object '真理' (truth).

由于瞻仰的人数众多，管理部门不得不采取限流措施。

Due to the large number of people coming to pay respects, the management had to take flow control measures.

Cause and effect using '由于' (due to).

通过瞻仰古代书法名作，他领悟到了笔法中的神韵。

By reverently studying ancient calligraphy masterpieces, he grasped the spirit within the brushwork.

Using '通过' (through/by) to indicate the means.

瞻仰仪式在庄严的气氛中拉开了序幕。

The ceremony of paying respects began in a solemn atmosphere.

瞻仰 used as an attributive for '仪式' (ceremony).

在这片神圣的土地上，每一寸草木似乎都值得我们去深情瞻仰。

On this sacred land, every inch of grass and tree seems worthy of our deep and reverent gaze.

Highly literary use, personifying nature.

他不仅在学术上仰望前辈，更在人格上对他们进行瞻仰。

He not only looked up to his predecessors academically but also venerated them for their character.

Contrast between physical/metaphorical '仰望' and moral '瞻仰'.

那些斑驳的石刻，记录着岁月的沧桑，引人驻足瞻仰。

Those mottled stone carvings, recording the vicissitudes of time, draw people to stop and look with reverence.

Using '引人驻足' (attract people to stop).

瞻仰之情溢于言表，他激动得说不出话来。

His feelings of reverence were beyond words, and he was so moved he couldn't speak.

Using the idiom '溢于言表' (to manifest in words and expressions).

瞻仰先烈的丰功伟绩，旨在激励后人不断进取。

Paying respects to the great achievements of the martyrs aims to inspire future generations to keep progressing.

Formal structure '旨在' (aims at).

在历史的长河中，唯有那些真正伟大的灵魂，才经得起万世的瞻仰。

In the long river of history, only those truly great souls can withstand the reverence of ten thousand generations.

Philosophical and grand tone.

他那肃穆的神情，显示出他正在进行一场心灵的瞻仰。

His solemn expression showed that he was undergoing a spiritual pilgrimage of reverence.

Abstract use of '瞻仰' as an internal process.

虽然时代变迁，但人们对英雄的瞻仰之心从未改变。

Although times change, people's heart of reverence for heroes has never changed.

Concessive clause '虽然...但'.

这种瞻仰并非盲目的崇拜，而是基于对历史深刻理解后的文化认同。

This kind of reverence is not blind worship, but a cultural identification based on a deep understanding of history.

Analytical and academic tone.

在宏大的叙事结构中，作者巧妙地安排了一次对失落文明的集体瞻仰。

Within the grand narrative structure, the author cleverly arranged a collective veneration of a lost civilization.

Literary analysis terminology.

瞻仰之余，我们更应反思：如何才能不辜负前人的牺牲？

Beyond paying our respects, we should reflect further: how can we live up to the sacrifices of our predecessors?

Using '...之余' (beyond/after doing...).

那座孤傲的丰碑，在斜阳下显得格外冷峻，仿佛在拒绝任何轻佻的瞻仰。

That proud and lonely monument appeared exceptionally grim in the setting sun, as if refusing any frivolous looking-upon.

Advanced personification and descriptive adjectives.

瞻仰的过程，本质上是一次跨越时空的生命对话。

The process of paying respects is, in essence, a dialogue of life that spans time and space.

Metaphorical and philosophical definition.

他笔下的瞻仰，往往带着一种悲悯的情怀，让人感受到历史的沉重。

The reverence depicted in his writing often carries a sense of compassion, making people feel the weight of history.

Describing an author's style.

唯有心怀敬畏，方能真正领悟瞻仰背后的精神内核。

Only with a heart of awe can one truly comprehend the spiritual core behind the act of reverence.

Using '唯有...方能' (only... then can).

这种跨文化的瞻仰，促进了不同民族之间对于共同价值观的认可。

This cross-cultural veneration has promoted the recognition of common values among different ethnic groups.

Sociological and formal context.

Common Collocations

瞻仰遗容

瞻仰故居

瞻仰纪念碑

肃立瞻仰

瞻仰伟人

瞻仰塑像

瞻仰遗迹

专程瞻仰

怀着崇敬的心情瞻仰

集体瞻仰

Common Phrases

瞻仰名胜

— To visit and look at famous scenic spots or historical sites with respect.

暑假期间，我们瞻仰了许多名胜古迹。

瞻仰丰碑

— To pay respects to a grand monument or a person's lasting achievements.

他在心中为祖国瞻仰着那座无形的丰碑。

瞻仰遗物

— To look at the personal effects or relics of a deceased person with reverence.

在展览馆里，我们瞻仰了雷锋同志的遗物。

瞻仰圣像

— To look at a holy image or icon with religious reverence.

信众们在殿内瞻仰圣像。

瞻仰神采

— To admire someone's brilliant spirit or appearance (often literary).

我们只能从照片中瞻仰他当年的神采。

瞻仰遗像

— To look at a portrait of the deceased with respect.

他对着父亲的遗像默默瞻仰。

瞻仰先贤

— To pay respects to the sages or worthy predecessors.

瞻仰先贤，学习他们的智慧。

瞻仰宝塔

— To look at a sacred pagoda with reverence.

游客们登高瞻仰宝塔。

瞻仰灵柩

— To pay respects to a coffin containing the remains of a respected person.

人们缓缓走过，瞻仰灵柩。

瞻仰胜景

— To look at a magnificent or famous view with awe.

登泰山而小天下，瞻仰人间胜景。

Often Confused With

瞻仰 vs 仰望

Physical looking up vs. moral looking up with respect.

瞻仰 vs 参观

Touring for info vs. visiting for reverence.

瞻仰 vs 敬仰

Feeling of respect vs. the act of looking with respect.

Idioms & Expressions

"高山仰止"

— To look up to a high mountain (metaphor for admiring someone's great virtue). Related to the '仰' in 瞻仰.

先生的德行，真是高山仰止。

Very Formal

"肃然起敬"

— To feel a sudden sense of respect; often the feeling that precedes or accompanies 瞻仰.

听到他的英雄事迹，我不禁肃然起敬。

Formal

"顶礼膜拜"

— To kneel and bow with the head touching the ground; extreme reverence.

他对权威简直是顶礼膜拜。

Religious/Sarcastic

"瞻前顾后"

— To look forward and backward; metaphor for being over-cautious. (Uses the '瞻' character).

做事不能总是瞻前顾后，要果断。

Neutral

"仰人鼻息"

— To depend on others' whims; to be subservient. (Uses '仰' in a negative sense).

他不想过那种仰人鼻息的生活。

Informal

"前瞻性"

— Forward-looking; visionary. (Uses '瞻').

这个计划具有很强的前瞻性。

Business/Formal

"仰首伸眉"

— To hold one's head high and look happy/proud.

成功之后，他终于可以仰首伸眉了。

Literary

"万众瞩目"

— The focus of everyone's attention. (Related to the concept of looking).

这场比赛真是万众瞩目。

Neutral

"敬若神明"

— To revere someone as if they were a god.

学生们对他敬若神明。

Formal

"奉若神明"

— To worship something or someone blindly like a god.

他把这些教条奉若神明。

Critical

Easily Confused

瞻仰 vs 仰慕

Both involve looking up and respect.

仰慕 is more about personal admiration or 'fandom,' while 瞻仰 is more ritualistic and formal.

他一直很仰慕那位作家的才华。

瞻仰 vs 瞻顾

Both start with 瞻.

瞻顾 means to look around or hesitate, totally different from reverence.

在困难面前，他毫不瞻顾。

瞻仰 vs 观赏

Both involve looking at something.

观赏 is for pleasure (flowers, movies), 瞻仰 is for respect.

我们去公园观赏牡丹花。

瞻仰 vs 膜拜

Both involve high respect.

膜拜 involves physical bowing/kneeling, 瞻仰 is just gazing with respect.

信徒们向圣地膜拜。

瞻仰 vs 朝拜

Both involve visiting sacred sites.

朝拜 is strictly religious pilgrimage, 瞻仰 can be secular/historical.

藏民们去拉萨朝拜。

Sentence Patterns

去 [Place] 瞻仰 [Object]

去纪念堂瞻仰遗容。

怀着 [Emotion] 的心情瞻仰 [Object]

怀着崇敬的心情瞻仰纪念碑。

专程前往 [Place] 瞻仰 [Object]

专程前往延安瞻仰革命旧址。

[Object] 值得 [Subject] 去瞻仰

先贤的精神值得我们去瞻仰。

在 [Atmosphere] 中瞻仰 [Object]

在肃穆的气氛中瞻仰烈士墓。

是对 [Abstract Noun] 的一种瞻仰

这不仅是对英雄的缅怀，更是对正义的一种瞻仰。

经得起 [Time] 的瞻仰

伟大的艺术品经得起时间的瞻仰。

排队 [Action] 瞻仰

人们排队缓缓入内瞻仰。

Word Family

Nouns

瞻仰者 (zhānyǎngzhě) - person who pays respects

瞻仰仪式 (zhānyǎng yíshì) - ceremony of paying respects

Verbs

瞻 (zhān) - to look forward/up

仰 (yǎng) - to look up/admire

仰望 (yǎngwàng) - to look up at

敬仰 (jìngyǎng) - to revere

瞻顾 (zhāngù) - to look around

仰赖 (yǎnglài) - to rely on

仰慕 (yǎngmù) - to admire

瞻念 (zhānniàn) - to think of/look back on

观瞻 (guānzhān) - appearance/view

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal media, low in daily street speech.

Common Mistakes

我瞻仰了一场电影。 → 我看了一场电影。
A movie is entertainment, not a sacred object. Use 看.
他瞻仰着天空。 → 他仰望着天空。
The sky is a physical object. Unless you are worshipping the sky, use 仰望.
他很瞻仰他的老师。 → 他很敬仰他的老师。
瞻仰 is an action of looking. If you just mean you respect your teacher, use 敬仰.
瞻仰了那件衣服。 → 欣赏了那件衣服。
Clothes are for appreciation (欣赏), not reverence.
他瞻仰了他的作业。 → 他检查了他的作业。
Homework is mundane. Use 检查 (check) or 看.

Tips

Verb + Object

Always remember that 瞻仰 needs an object. You don't just '瞻仰' by itself; you '瞻仰 something.'

Respect the Subject

Only use this word for people or things that a Chinese person would consider 'great' or 'sacred.'

Use with Adverbs

Enhance your writing by adding adverbs like 肃穆地 (solemnly) or 怀着敬意 (with respect) before the verb.

Avoid Mundane Objects

Never use it for food, clothes, or everyday items. It will sound very strange.

The 'Yang' Connection

Remember other words with 仰 like 仰望 (look up) and 敬仰 (revere) to build a word family.

Tone Accuracy

The third tone on 仰 is crucial for sounding respectful and correct.

Museum Etiquette

If a sign says 瞻仰, it's a cue to be quiet and not use flash photography.

Revolutionary Sites

This is the most common word for visiting 'Red Tourism' sites in China.

Poetic Nature

In poetry, you can use it for the moon or mountains to give them a divine quality.

HSK 5/6

This is a high-frequency word in advanced Chinese exams, especially in reading comprehension.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Zhan' as 'Zen' and 'Yang' as 'Young'. You need a 'Zen' (calm/respectful) mind to look at the 'Young' (eternal/heroic) spirit of a statue.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at the base of a massive mountain or a giant statue, with their head tilted back and hands folded, looking up in silence.

Word Web

Eye (目) Respect (敬) Upward (向上) Monument (碑) Hero (英雄) Formal (正式) Silence (静) History (历史)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your city that are '瞻仰-able' (e.g., a war memorial, a statue of a founder). Write a sentence for each using 瞻仰.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters: 瞻 (zhān) and 仰 (yǎng). Both have ancient roots in classical Chinese.

Original meaning: 瞻 originally meant to look at something far away or to look forward. 仰 meant to look upwards. Together, they described looking up at the sky or a high official.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Always use this word in a serious, quiet tone. Using it jokingly can be seen as highly offensive in China, especially regarding national heroes.

The closest English equivalent is 'to pay one's respects' or 'to gaze with reverence,' though 瞻仰 is more specifically a verb of looking.

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (毛主席纪念堂) Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) Monument to the People's Heroes (人民英雄纪念碑)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Museum/Historical Site

瞻仰故居
瞻仰遗物
瞻仰古迹
入馆瞻仰

Funeral/Memorial Ceremony

瞻仰遗容
瞻仰灵柩
肃立瞻仰
最后一次瞻仰

Religious Site

瞻仰圣像
瞻仰佛像
瞻仰宝塔
虔诚瞻仰

Political/Patriotic Event

瞻仰纪念碑
瞻仰烈士陵园
集体瞻仰
专程瞻仰

Literature/Art

瞻仰名画
瞻仰大师
瞻仰风采
心灵的瞻仰

Conversation Starters

"你曾经去过哪些地方瞻仰过伟人的纪念碑吗？"

"在北京，很多人会排队去瞻仰毛主席纪念堂，你对此怎么看？"

"你觉得‘参观’和‘瞻仰’最大的区别是什么？"

"在你的国家，人们通常会去哪里瞻仰历史上的英雄？"

"当我们瞻仰古代遗迹时，我们应该注意哪些礼仪？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你瞻仰某个重要地点的经历。你当时的心情是怎样的？

如果你能瞻仰一位历史上的人物，你希望是谁？为什么？

讨论在现代社会中，‘瞻仰’这种行为是否依然具有重要意义。

写一段话，描述你在一个古老的寺庙里瞻仰佛像时的所见所感。

比较一次普通的‘参观’经历和一次严肃的‘瞻仰’经历。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. It is used for monuments, relics, or the deceased. Using it for a living person sounds like you are treating them as a statue or a dead person, which is awkward or even rude.

Mostly, yes, but it's metaphorical. Even if you are looking down at a person's remains in a casket, you are 'looking up' to their spirit. However, it's rarely used for things on the ground like a floor pattern.

Yes, but only if the scenery is considered grand, sacred, or a symbol of the nation (like Mount Tai or the Yangtze River). It implies a sense of awe.

It is pronounced 'zhān' with the first tone (flat and high). It sounds like the 'Jan' in 'January' but with a retroflex 'zh' (tongue curled back).

Only if you are being very formal or poetic. In a normal email about a trip, 参观 (visit) is much more natural.

There isn't a single direct opposite, but words like 鄙视 (bǐshì, to look down on) or 亵渎 (xièdú, to desecrate) represent the opposite attitude.

It is primarily a verb. However, it can be used in a noun phrase like '瞻仰仪式' (ceremony of paying respects).

Because viewing the body is considered a final act of showing respect to the life and character of the person who passed away.

Yes, it is a standard formal Chinese word used across all Mandarin-speaking regions.

Focus on the '目' (eye) in 瞻 and the '亻' (person) in 仰. It's a person using their eyes to look up at someone great.