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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to read a book' with 看书 (kànshū)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    看书

    Explanation

    看书 (kànshū) is a verb-object compound meaning "to read a book" or "to read" in general. Because the object 书 is already built into the compound, you do not add another object after it. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about the activity of reading.

    Examples

    • 她每天晚上都会看书一个小时。

      tā měitiān wǎnshàng dōu huì kànshū yí gè xiǎoshí.

      She reads for an hour every evening.

    • 你周末喜欢看书还是看电影？

      nǐ zhōumò xǐhuān kànshū háishì kàn diànyǐng?

      Do you prefer reading or watching movies on weekends?

    • 我最近太忙了，根本没时间看书。

      wǒ zuìjìn tài máng le, gēnběn méi shíjiān kànshū.

      I've been too busy lately and have no time to read at all.

    Expressing 'to read a book' with 看书 (kànshū) | Chinese Grammar