覽

A phono-semantic compound:

見 (to see) — semantic component

監 (to oversee; to inspect) — phonetic component

The phonetic element 監 originally meant “to look down from above” or “to supervise.”

Combined with 見, the character emphasizes intentional, comprehensive seeing, not merely visual perception.

The meaning developed along these lines:

- to look over carefully

- to survey or inspect

- to read or examine (documents, lists, records)

This makes 覽 especially common in official language and classical texts.

열람 (閱覽) — inspection; reading (documents)

관람 (觀覽) — viewing; sightseeing, watching (e.g., a performance or exhibition)

일람 (一覽) — a general view; overview

열람하다 (閱覽하다) — to read or inspect officially

전람회 (展覽會) — exhibition

총람 (總覽) — an overview or general survey

It conveys a sense of not just looking, but observing attentively or comprehensively.

Related characters:

見 — to see (basic visual perception)

観 — to observe (contemplation or appreciation)

視 — to look at (directed gaze)

監 — to supervise (oversight, authority)

覽 often carries a formal or elevated tone.

It is closely associated with reading, exhibitions, and official inspection rather than casual looking.

The sense of “overview” or “comprehensive view” is central to many compound words.

람, 남 (覧, ram, nam)