HSK Words: 观赏 (guān shǎng) VS 欣赏 (xīn shǎng)

Both “观赏” (guān shǎng) and “欣赏” (xīn shǎng) have the meaning of appreciating or observing something, so they can be used interchangeably in some situations.

Sentences

1. We went to the gallery to see some works of art.
   我们去画廊观赏了一些艺术作品。
   wǒ men qù huà láng guān shǎng le yī xiē yì shù zuò pǐn 。
2. I like to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park.
   我喜欢在公园里欣赏美丽的风景。
   wǒ xǐ huān zài gōng yuán lǐ xīn shǎng měi lì de fēng jǐng。

“观赏” (guān shǎng) and “欣赏” (xīn shǎng), they can be used interchangeably in some situations，and  are used to describe seeing beautiful things and getting pleasure and enjoyment from them.

Let's learn the differences together!

“观赏”(guān shǎng) is  a verb that means “view”“appreciate”“watch”. “观赏”(guān shǎng) can also be used as a noun, indicating the act or experience of watching or appreciating.

Sentences

1. We watched a wonderful concert.（as a verb)
   我们观赏了一场精彩的音乐会。
   wǒ men guān shǎng le yī chǎng jīng cǎi de yīn yuè huì 。
2. We can see the beautiful sunrise at this viewing point.
   我们在这个观赏点可以看到美丽的日出。
   wǒ men zài zhè gè guān shǎng diǎn kě yǐ kàn dào měi lì de rì chū 。

“欣赏”（xīn shǎng） is often used as a verb and noun that means“appreciate”“appreciation”“admire”“take  pleasure in”. It can be used as predicate, subject, object, attribute and other elements in a sentence.

Sentences

1. In the park, I enjoyed the blooming flowers.（as a predicate）
   在公园里，我欣赏着盛开的花朵。
   zài gōng yuán lǐ ，wǒ xīn shǎng zhe shèng kāi de huā duǒ 。
2. I appreciate your courage.（as a subject）
   我欣赏你的勇气。
   wǒ xīn shǎng nǐ de yǒng qì 。
3. I appreciate her unique sense of humor. （as anattribute)
   我欣赏他的幽默感。
    wǒ xīn shǎng tā de yōu mò gǎn 。

In a word, “观赏”(guān shǎng) is to observe the surface of things, an objective feeling, and the object is tangible things. “欣赏” (xīn shǎng) is to observe deeply and feel with heart, with subjective color, and the object is intangible things.

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