Expressing “to emphasize” with the verbs 注重 and 看重
These verbs have the same meaning. However, sometimes we should use them in different contexts.
The verb 注重
We use the verb 注重 
to express that a person is focusing or concentrating on something.
to express that a person is focusing or concentrating on something.Examples
口语课让学生注重流利的口头表达
Speaking classes allow students to focus on fluency in oral expression
kǒuyǔ kè ràng xuésheng zhùzhòng liúlì de kǒutóu biǎodá
必须十分注重理论联系实际
You should pay close attention to both theory and practice
bìxū shífēn zhùzhòng lǐlùn liánxì shíjì
如今我们都在变得日益注重健康
These days we are all becoming more health conscious
rújīn wǒmen dōu zài biàn de rìyì zhùzhòng jiànkāng
The verb 看重
We use the verb 看重 to express that one respects and cares about something or someone.
to express that one respects and cares about something or someone.Examples
他很看重孩子们的成功
He values the success of his children
tā hěn kànzhòng háizimen de chénggōng
我很看重这次学习机会
I value this opportunity to learn
wǒ hěn kànzhòng zhè cì xuéxí jīhuì
看重老师的忠告
To value the teacher's advice
kànzhòng lǎoshī de zhōnggào
Sometimes we can use 看重 in the meaning “to focus on”. In this case, it is interchangeable with the verb 注重.
Examples
人们不应该太注重金钱
People should not focus too much on money
rénmen bú yìnggāi tài zhùzhòng jīnqián
人们不应该太看重金钱
People should not focus too much on money
rénmen bú yìnggāi tài kànzhòng jīnqián
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