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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'it seems' with 看来 (kànlái)

    Description & Modification
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    看来 + Clause

    Explanation

    The adverb 看来 (kànlái) means 'it seems,' 'it looks like,' or 'apparently,' used to introduce a judgment or conclusion based on available evidence or observation. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to frame what follows as an inference rather than a certainty. 看来 softens a statement, making it less absolute.

    Examples

    • 看来今天要下雨了，带把伞吧。

      kànlái jīntiān yào xiàyǔ le, dài bǎ sǎn ba.

      It looks like it's going to rain today — bring an umbrella.

    • 看来他不太高兴，我们别打扰他了。

      kànlái tā bù tài gāoxìng, wǒmen bié dǎrǎo tā le.

      It seems he's not very happy — let's not bother him.

    • 看来这家餐厅很受欢迎，都排队了。

      kànlái zhè jiā cāntīng hěn shòu huānyíng, dōu páiduì le.

      It seems this restaurant is very popular — there's already a line.

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    Expressing 'it seems' with 看来 (kànlái) | Chinese Grammar