VerbsHSK 5
Comparing 看起来 and 看来
看起来 (kànqǐlái) means 'it looks like' based on visual or outward appearance. Use it after a subject to describe something's visible state or impression. It's often followed by an adjective or a short phrase.
看来 (kànlái) means 'it seems that' based on reasoning, evidence, or inference, not just outward looks. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence or after a subject to express a judgment or conclusion.
Structure
Subj. + 看起来 ⋯⋯
followed by an adjective or descriptive phrase
Examples
- 女儿今天看起来很开心。Nǚ ér jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn kāi xīn.Our daughter looks really happy today.
- 这道菜看起来很好吃。Zhè dào cài kàn qǐ lái hěn hǎo chī.This dish looks really tasty.
- 这两件衣服看起来差不多一样。Zhè liǎng jiàn yī fu kàn qǐ lái chà bu duō yí yàng.These two pieces of clothing look pretty much the same.
- 老板最近太忙了，他看起来很累。Lǎo bǎn zuì jìn tài máng le, tā kàn qǐ lái hěn lèi.The boss has been too busy lately. He looks really tired.