====== kàndeqǐ: 看得起 - To Think Highly Of, To Respect, To Hold in High Regard ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
`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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
This term is frequently used to describe interpersonal dynamics, especially concerning power, status, and ability.
==== **In the Workplace** ====
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。`
==== **In Social and Family Life** ====
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).
==== **Positive vs. Negative Connotation** ====
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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **`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").
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[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.