Definition
看不惯 is a potential complement construction: V + 不 + 惯, where 惯 means 'used to' (as in 习惯). So 看不惯 literally means 'cannot get used to seeing something' and conveys finding something visually or behaviorally unacceptable, offensive, or disgusting. It contrasts with 看得惯 (can stand seeing). You typically use 看不惯 to express disapproval of someone's appearance, manner, or actions.
r.v.
can't stand the sight ofto find something visually unacceptable or offensiveto disdain
Examples
- ,看不惯。Tā nà zhǒng àomàn de tàidu, wǒ shízài kàn bu guàn.I really can't stand his arrogant attitude.
- 看不惯。Lǎobǎn fēicháng kàn bu guàn yuángōng shàngbān chídào.The boss really can't bear employees being late to work.
- 看不惯。Wǒ kàn bu guàn tā zhèyàng làngfèi shíwù.I can't stand him wasting food like this.
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