Meaning and Usage
The word 観光 (かんこう) means "sightseeing" or "tourism." It refers to the activity of visiting places of interest, usually for leisure or travel purposes.
Common Contexts
観光 is often used when talking about visiting famous places, traveling for pleasure, or describing tourist spots. It can refer to both the act of sightseeing and the tourists themselves (観光客).
Collocations and Patterns
- 観光地 (かんこうち): sightseeing spot or tourist destination
- 観光客 (かんこうきゃく): tourist
- 観光する: to go sightseeing
- 観光案内所 (かんこうあんないじょ): tourist information center
Register and Usage Notes
観光 is a neutral, commonly used noun in both spoken and written Japanese. It is appropriate in casual and formal contexts. When combined with する, it becomes a verb meaning "to go sightseeing."
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 観光 with 旅行 (りょこう), which means "travel" in a broader sense. 観光 specifically emphasizes visiting and enjoying sights, while 旅行 can include business trips or other types of travel.