kànqǐlai: 看起来 - It looks like, It seems, It appears
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn how to use 看起来 (kàn qǐ lai), a fundamental Chinese phrase meaning “it looks like,” “it seems,” or “it appears.” This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, grammar, and practical examples, helping you understand how to describe appearances and make judgments in Mandarin Chinese. Discover the nuances of kanqilai to express what something or someone looks like in everyday conversation and distinguish it from similar words like `好像 (hǎo xiàng)`.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): kàn qǐ lai
Part of Speech: Verb Phrase
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: To give an impression based on visual evidence; to look as if.
In a Nutshell: `看起来` is your go-to phrase for stating an observation or opinion based on what you can see. It's the direct equivalent of starting a sentence in English with “It looks like…,” “It seems…,” or “She appears to be…”. It's not a statement of absolute fact, but rather a judgment based on appearance, which makes it an incredibly common and useful phrase in daily conversation.
Character Breakdown
看 (kàn): The core meaning is “to look,” “to see,” or “to watch.” The character is composed of a hand (手) over an eye (目), vividly picturing someone shielding their eyes to get a better look.
起 (qǐ): Means “to rise” or “to start.” In this context, it functions as part of a verbal complement.
来 (lái): Means “to come.”
When combined, 起来 (qǐ lai) is a very common “directional complement” that indicates the beginning and continuation of an action or the emergence of a state. So, `看` (to look) + `起来` (emergence of a state) literally means “upon looking, a certain state emerges.” This creates the overall meaning of “it looks like” or “it appears to be.”
Cultural Context and Significance
While `看起来` doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like `关系 (guānxi)`, its frequent use highlights a common feature of Chinese communication: indirectness and the avoidance of making absolute statements.
By saying something “looks like” it's true (`看起来是真的`), rather than stating it “is” true (`是真的`), a speaker softens their assertion. This makes the statement less of a blunt declaration and more of a personal observation. It leaves room for error and is generally considered a more polite and less confrontational way to express an opinion or judgment.
Comparison: In Western cultures, especially American culture, direct statements are often valued for their clarity and confidence. While English speakers certainly use “it seems” or “it looks like,” in Chinese, framing an opinion with `看起来` is a near-default mode of communication when discussing observations. It's a way to present a personal judgment as an objective observation, which helps maintain social harmony.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`看起来` is an extremely versatile phrase used constantly in daily life, from casual chats to more formal discussions.
Describing People's Appearance or State: This is the most common usage. You use it to comment on someone's mood, health, or general appearance.
e.g., “You look happy today!” (`你今天看起来很高兴！`)
Assessing a Situation: It's used to give a preliminary judgment about a situation based on available information.
e.g., “The situation looks a bit complicated.” (`情况看起来有点复杂。`)
Commenting on Objects (Food, Clothes, etc.): Used to describe the apparent quality, state, or nature of an inanimate object.
e.g., “This dish looks delicious.” (`这道菜看起来很好吃。`)
Formality: `看起来` is a neutral term suitable for almost any context, from chatting with friends to discussing a proposal at work. Its formality is determined by the words that follow it.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
你今天看起来很累，没事吧？
Pinyin: Nǐ jīntiān kàn qǐ lai hěn lèi, méishì ba?
English: You look very tired today, are you okay?
Analysis: A very common and considerate way to express concern for someone based on their physical appearance.
English: From the outside, this restaurant looks very small.
Analysis: Shows how `看起来` can be combined with other words like `从…` (from…) to specify the perspective of the observation.
Example 9:
那个孩子看起来像个小大人。
Pinyin: Nàge háizi kàn qǐ lai xiàng ge xiǎo dàren.
English: That child looks like a little adult.
Analysis: This demonstrates a key structure: `看起来像…` (kàn qǐ lai xiàng…), meaning “to look like…” or “to resemble…”.
Example 10:
他们的关系看起来很好。
Pinyin: Tāmen de guānxì kàn qǐ lai hěn hǎo.
English: Their relationship seems very good.
Analysis: Used to make a judgment about something intangible (a relationship) based on observable interactions.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`看起来` (kàn qǐ lai) vs. `好像` (hǎo xiàng): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`看起来` is primarily based on visual evidence. You see dark clouds, so it looks like rain. You see someone's tired face, so they look tired.
`好像` is more general and can be based on a guess, a feeling, or any sensory input, not just sight. It's closer to “it seems as if.” You might hear a distant rumble and say “`好像`要下雨了” (It seems like it's going to rain). You can often use `好像` where you use `看起来`, but not always the other way around. If there's no visual cue, use `好像`.
Example: 我好像把钥匙忘在家里了。(Wǒ hǎoxiàng bǎ yàoshi wàng zài jiāli le.) - I seem to have forgotten my keys at home. (A feeling or realization, not a visual observation. You cannot use `看起来` here.)
The “Sense + 起来” Pattern: `看起来` is just one part of a larger grammatical pattern. You can replace `看` (to look) with other sense verbs.
`听起来` (tīng qǐ lai): It sounds like… (e.g., `这个主意听起来不错。` - This idea sounds good.)
`闻起来` (wén qǐ lai): It smells like… (e.g., `这花闻起来很香。` - This flower smells very fragrant.)
`尝起来` (cháng qǐ lai): It tastes like… (e.g., `这个菜尝起来有点咸。` - This dish tastes a bit salty.)
Common Mistake: Applying `看起来` to other senses.
Incorrect: `这首歌看起来很好听。` (This song looks very good to listen to.)
Correct: `这首歌听起来很好听。` (This song sounds very nice.)
Related Terms and Concepts
好像 (hǎo xiàng) - “To seem,” “as if.” A close synonym, but more general and can be based on any feeling or guess, not just visual evidence.
似乎 (sì hū) - “Apparently,” “it seems.” A more formal and literary equivalent of `好像`. You'll see it more in writing.
听起来 (tīng qǐ lai) - “To sound like.” The direct auditory equivalent of `看起来`. Part of the same “sense verb + 起来” pattern.
感觉 (gǎn jué) - “To feel,” “a feeling.” Refers to an internal emotion or physical sensation, distinguishing it from an external observation like `看起来`.
样子 (yàng zi) - “Appearance,” “look.” A noun. Often used after `看起来` to describe a person's demeanor, e.g., `他看起来一副不开心的样子` (He has the look of being unhappy).
外表 (wài biǎo) - “Outward appearance,” “exterior.” A formal noun for how something or someone looks on the surface.
判断 (pàn duàn) - “To judge,” “a judgment.” Using `看起来` is a way of making a preliminary `判断` based on observation.