Definition
看起来 is a fixed verb phrase meaning 'it seems' or 'it looks like'. It is used to express an impression or inference based on what you see or perceive. The pattern is 看起来 + adjective (e.g. 看起来很好 'looks very good') or 看起来 + clause (e.g. 看起来他要走了 'it looks like he's leaving'). It is not a literal 'look up' — it's a set expression for subjective appearance.
v.p.
it seemsit looks like (based on appearance or impression)
Examples
- 看起来。kàn qǐ lái nǐ zuìjìn hěn máng.It seems you've been very busy lately.
- 看起来。Zhè dào cài kàn qǐ lái hěn hǎochī.This dish looks very delicious.
- 看起来，。kàn qǐ lái wàimiàn yào xià yǔ le, dài bǎ sǎn ba.It looks like it's going to rain outside — take an umbrella.
Grammar
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