raise the head to look

JLPT N1 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character primarily means 'to look up' or 'to raise one's head to look at something.' It often conveys a physical action of looking upwards, such as gazing at the sky or an object above. Additionally, can express respect or admiration toward a person or ideal, similar to 'to look up to' someone.

Common Collocations

  • 仰望 (yǎngwàng xīngkōng): to look up at the starry sky, often used to describe a contemplative or poetic scene.
  • (yǎngmù): to admire or look up to someone, expressing respect.
  • (yǎngtóu hē shuǐ): to tilt one's head back to drink water, a common phrase describing the physical action.

Usage Notes

is often used in literary or formal contexts when describing looking upwards or admiration. In daily conversation, it might be replaced by simpler verbs like (kàn) or (jìngyǎng) for respect. When used to describe drinking, (tilting the head back) is a fixed expression.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (yǎng), which means 'to raise' or 'to nurture.' They have different radicals and meanings despite similar pronunciation.

Example Sentences

He looks up at the starry sky, contemplating the meaning of life.

We should admire those who contribute to society.

He tilted his head back to drink water, spilling it all over his face.