Understanding "看病" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 看病
• Pinyin: kàn bìng
• Literal Meaning: "look at illness"
• Primary Meaning: To see a doctor (for diagnosis or treatment); to seek medical attention.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"看病" is a common verb phrase used when someone goes to a doctor or hospital for medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. It can refer to both the patient's action ("I'm going to see a doctor") and the doctor's action ("The doctor is seeing patients").

Nuances:
- It emphasizes the act of seeking medical help rather than just visiting a hospital (e.g., for a check-up or accompanying someone).
- In informal speech, it can also imply "getting treated" or "receiving medical care."

Character Breakdown

• 看 (kàn): Means "to look at," "to watch," or "to read." Here, it implies "to examine" (as a doctor would).
• 病 (bìng): Means "illness" or "disease." Together, the phrase literally means "to examine an illness."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我今天要去看病。
   Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān yào qù kàn bìng.
   English: I need to see a doctor today.

2. Chinese: 医生每天给很多病人看病。
   Pinyin: Yīshēng měi tiān gěi hěn duō bìngrén kàn bìng.
   English: The doctor sees many patients every day.

3. Chinese: 他感冒了，必须去医院看病。
   Pinyin: Tā gǎnmào le, bìxū qù yīyuàn kàn bìng.
   English: He has a cold and must go to the hospital for treatment.

Cultural Notes

• In China, "看病" often involves visiting public hospitals or clinics, where queues can be long. Many people prefer to go early in the morning.
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors also "看病," but the process might include methods like pulse-taking or tongue examination.
• Unlike in some Western countries, it’s common to describe minor health issues (e.g., a cold) as "看病," not just serious conditions.

Conclusion

"看病" (kàn bìng) is a practical phrase meaning "to see a doctor" or "to seek medical treatment." Remember: 看 = examine, 病 = illness. Use it when talking about visiting a doctor, whether for yourself or someone else!