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Expressing 'to seem' with 显 (xiǎn)
Structure
Subject + 显 + Adjective / 显得 + Adjective
Explanation
The verb 显 (xiǎn) can mean 'to seem' or 'to appear,' indicating that something gives a certain impression. When used in this sense, it is followed by an adjective to describe how something comes across. It often appears in formal or written contexts.
Examples
她今天穿那件红裙子，显年轻了好几岁。
tā jīntiān chuān nà jiàn hóng qúnzi, xiǎn niánqīng le hǎo jǐ suì.
She's wearing that red dress today, and it makes her look several years younger.
这个颜色的墙漆显脏，还是换个浅色的吧。
zhège yánsè de qiáng qī xiǎn zāng, háishì huàn gè qiǎn sè de ba.
This color of wall paint shows dirt easily; let's switch to a lighter color.
他最近瘦了不少，整个人显精神多了。
tā zuìjìn shòu le bù shǎo, zhěnggè rén xiǎn jīngshén duō le.
He's lost quite a bit of weight recently, and he looks much more energetic overall.