zhòngshì: 重视 - To Value, To Take Seriously, To Attach Importance To
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 重视 (zhòngshì), which means “to attach importance to,” “to value,” or “to take seriously.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage in contexts like education, business, and relationships. With clear examples and comparisons, you'll understand why 重视 (zhòngshì) is more than just “to like” something; it's a fundamental concept reflecting respect, priority, and diligence in Chinese culture.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhòngshì
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To attach importance to, to value, or to take something seriously.
In a Nutshell:重视 (zhòngshì) is about recognizing the significance of something and giving it the attention and effort it deserves. It's an active verb of valuation. Think of it as mentally and behaviorally “upgrading” something from “just another thing” to a “priority.” If you 重视 your health, you don't just like being healthy; you actively exercise, eat well, and see the doctor.
Character Breakdown
重 (zhòng): This character means “heavy” or “weighty.” It implies significance and substance.
视 (shì): This character means “to look at,” “to view,” or “to regard.”
When combined, 重视 (zhòngshì) literally means “to view as heavy.” This powerful metaphor perfectly captures the idea of considering something to be of great importance, substance, and worth.
Cultural Context and Significance
重视 (zhòngshì) is a cornerstone verb that reflects deep-seated cultural values in China. It's not just a word; it's a social expectation.
Education and Family: Perhaps the most prominent example is that Chinese culture 重视教育 (zhòngshì jiàoyù)—values education. This isn't just a casual preference; it's a societal principle. Parents invest enormous time and resources into their children's schooling, and academic achievement is seen as a reflection of a family's diligence and a path to a better future. Likewise, one is expected to 重视家庭 (zhòngshì jiātíng)—value the family unit and show respect for elders.
Comparison with “To Prioritize”: In Western culture, we often talk about “prioritizing.” While similar, “prioritizing” can be a cold, logistical calculation of efficiency. For example, “I need to prioritize my tasks at work to meet a deadline.” 重视 (zhòngshì) often carries a stronger moral and social weight. A company that 重视 its employees is seen as a fundamentally good and responsible company, not just a smart one. A person who doesn't 重视 their promises isn't just inefficient; they may be seen as lacking integrity.
Practical Usage in Modern China
重视 is a common and important verb used in both formal and informal contexts.
In the Workplace: A manager might say they 重视 an employee's suggestions (重视员工的建议) to show that the feedback is valued and will be considered. Companies often state they 重视 customer service (重视客户服务) to build trust.
In Personal Relationships: Expressing that you 重视 someone's opinion (我重视你的看法) is a powerful way to show you care and respect them. It's a key ingredient in maintaining healthy relationships.
In Health and Safety: Doctors advise patients to 重视 their health (重视自己的健康). Public service announcements urge people to 重视 traffic safety (重视交通安全). In these cases, it functions as a strong recommendation or warning.
As a Negative: The negative form, 不重视 (bù zhòngshì), is a common criticism, implying neglect or a poor sense of priority. For example, “He doesn't take his studies seriously” (他根本不重视学习).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
中国人普遍很重视教育。
Pinyin: Zhōngguó rén pǔbiàn hěn zhòngshì jiàoyù.
English: Chinese people generally attach great importance to education.
Analysis: This is a classic cultural statement. 重视 is used here to describe a widely held societal value.
Example 2:
公司非常重视客户的反馈。
Pinyin: Gōngsī fēicháng zhòngshì kèhù de fǎnkuì.
English: The company takes customer feedback very seriously.
Analysis: A common phrase in business. It implies that the company will act on the feedback, not just listen to it.
Example 3:
我希望你重视我给你的建议。
Pinyin: Wǒ xīwàng nǐ zhòngshì wǒ gěi nǐ de jiànyì.
English: I hope you take the advice I gave you seriously.
Analysis: Here, 重视 is used to ask someone to value and consider your input. It has a slightly formal and serious tone.
Example 4:
他开始重视自己的健康了，每天都去跑步。
Pinyin: Tā kāishǐ zhòngshì zìjǐ de jiànkāng le, měitiān dōu qù pǎobù.
English: He started to value his own health; he goes running every day now.
Analysis: This example perfectly shows that 重视 leads to action. The act of running is the evidence of his new-found valuation of health.
Analysis: This demonstrates that 重视 is often framed as a responsibility or a key to success.
Example 8:
我很重视我们的友谊。
Pinyin: Wǒ hěn zhòngshì wǒmen de yǒuyì.
English: I really value our friendship.
Analysis: A sincere and heartfelt statement in a personal relationship. It means more than just “I like being your friend”; it means “Our friendship is important to me.”
English: If you don't take this problem seriously, you will regret it later.
Analysis: This shows 重视 used in a warning. The implication is that neglecting something important will lead to negative consequences.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`重视` (to value) vs. `喜欢` (to like): This is the most common pitfall for learners. 喜欢 (xǐhuān) is about personal enjoyment or preference. 重视 (zhòngshì) is about recognizing objective importance, often regardless of personal feeling.
Example: 我不喜欢吃药，但我生病时必须重视医生的嘱咐。(Wǒ bù xǐhuān chī yào, dàn wǒ shēngbìng shí bìxū zhòngshì yīshēng de zhǔfù.) - “I don't like taking medicine, but when I'm sick I must take seriously the doctor's instructions.”
`重视` (verb) vs. `重要` (adjective): Learners often mix up the verb “to value” with the adjective “important.”
Correct: 这个问题很重要。(Zhège wèntí hěn zhòngyào.) - This problem is very important. (`重要` is an adjective describing the noun `问题`).
Correct: 我们很重视这个问题。(Wǒmen hěn zhòngshì zhège wèntí.) - We attach great importance to this problem. (`重视` is a verb, with `我们` as the subject).
Incorrect: ~~这个问题很重视。~~ (This is grammatically wrong, as you're using a verb where an adjective should be).
Related Terms and Concepts
重要 (zhòngyào) - The adjective “important.” This is the state of being that causes something to be 重视-ed.
看重 (kànzhòng) - A very close synonym, often used for valuing people, abilities, or abstract qualities. “To think highly of.”
轻视 (qīngshì) - The direct antonym of 重视. It means “to look down on,” “to belittle,” or “to hold in contempt.” It uses the character 轻 (qīng), meaning “light.”
忽略 (hūlüè) - To neglect or to overlook. This is a more passive form of not paying attention, whereas 轻视 is an active act of contempt.
在乎 (zàihu) - To care about. This is more emotional and personal than 重视. You might 在乎 what a friend thinks of you, and 重视 your career goals.
关键 (guānjiàn) - “Crucial,” “key.” A 关键 point is something that you absolutely must 重视.
尊敬 (zūnjìng) - To respect (usually a person). You 重视 the advice of people you 尊敬.
价值 (jiàzhí) - “Value” or “worth.” We 重视 things that we believe have high 价值.