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Expressing "seem" with 看似 (kànsì)
Description & Modification
Structure
看似 + Adjective/Clause + 的 + Noun
Explanation
看似 (kànsì) means "to seem" or "to appear to be," implying that the surface impression may not match reality. It is typically placed before an adjective or clause, as in 看似容易的工作 (a job that seems easy), often suggesting a contrast with what is actually the case.
Examples
这份工作看似简单，其实非常复杂。
Zhè fèn gōngzuò kànsì jiǎndān, qíshí fēicháng fùzá.
This job looks simple but is actually very complex.
他看似冷漠，内心其实很热情。
Tā kànsì lěngmò, nèixīn qíshí hěn rèqíng.
He seems cold, but he's actually very warm-hearted.
看似平静的湖面下藏着很多鱼。
Kànsì píngjìng de húmiàn xià cáng zhe hěn duō yú.
Beneath the seemingly calm lake surface, many fish are hidden.