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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'looks like' with 看起来 (kàn qǐlái)

    HSK 3
    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 看起来 + Adjective/Clause

    Explanation

    看起来 means "it looks like" or "it appears" and expresses a judgment based on visual impression or general appearance. It is placed before an adjective or clause describing the impression. For example, 他看起来很累 means "He looks tired" and 这个菜看起来很好吃 means "This dish looks delicious."

    Examples

    • 你今天看起来心情不错。

      nǐ jīntiān kàn qǐlái xīnqíng búcuò.

      You look like you're in a good mood today.

    • 外面看起来快要下雨了。

      wàimiàn kàn qǐlái kuài yào xià yǔ le.

      It looks like it's about to rain outside.

    • 这家店看起来生意很好。

      zhè jiā diàn kàn qǐlái shēngyì hěn hǎo.

      This store looks like business is very good.

    Expressing 'looks like' with 看起来 (kàn qǐlái) | Chinese Grammar