小看 xiǎokàn to look down on
to look down on; to underestimate
How to remember 小看: 小 small + 看 look at = to look down on.
Characters
How it is used
- To underestimate / look down on - 别小看这孩子，他很聪明 (bié xiǎokàn zhè háizi, tā hěn cōngming) don't underestimate this kid, he's sharp.
- Colloquial, most often as a warning 别小看…; near-synonym 小瞧 (xiǎoqiáo) and the more formal 轻视 (qīngshì) / 低估 (dīgū).
- Object can be a person or a task's difficulty.
Example sentences
- 他小看女人。 Tā xiǎokàn nǚrén.He looks down on women.
- 不要小看我的力量。 Búyào xiǎokàn wǒ de lìliàng.Don't underestimate my power.