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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to look' with 看 (kàn) and complements

    Description & Modification
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 看起来 + Adjective/Clause

    Explanation

    看 (kàn) frequently appears with directional or result complements to express specific meanings related to perception and appearance. The combination 看起来 (kàn qǐlái) means "to look like" or "to appear," describing how something seems to an observer. This structure is used to express impressions or judgments about appearance.

    Examples

    • 她看起来很累。

      Tā kàn qǐlái hěn lèi.

      She looks very tired.

    • 这道菜看起来很好吃。

      Zhè dào cài kàn qǐlái hěn hǎochī.

      This dish looks delicious.

    • 今天的天气看起来不太好。

      Jīntiān de tiānqì kàn qǐlái bú tài hǎo.

      The weather today doesn't look very good.

    Expressing 'to look' with 看 (kàn) and complements | Chinese Grammar