欣赏 xīnshǎng to appreciate
to appreciate; to enjoy; to admire
How to remember 欣赏: 欣 delighted + 赏 reward = to appreciate.
Characters
How it is used
- To appreciate / enjoy / admire - both aesthetic enjoyment (欣赏风景 xīnshǎng fēngjǐng enjoy the scenery) and esteem for a person (我很欣赏他 wǒ hěn xīnshǎng tā I think highly of him).
- Contrast 喜欢 (xǐhuan, plain 'like') and 佩服 (pèifú, admire/respect for achievement): 欣赏 carries a note of savoring quality or valuing someone's traits.
- Neutral-to-warm register.
Example sentences
- 我欣赏你。 Wǒ xīnshǎng nǐ.I admire you.
- 我希望汤姆欣赏它。 Wǒ xīwàng tāngmǔ xīnshǎng tā.I hope Tom appreciates it.