HSK 3
看上去
kàn shàng qù
看上去 (kàn shang qù) – To look like, to appear
Explanation
看上去 (kàn shang qù) is a fixed phrase meaning "seems, looks like", used to give an impression or judgment based on outward appearance.
thing + 看上去 (kàn shang qù) + adjective/description. For example: 这件衣服 (this piece of clothing) + 看上去 + 很不错 (very nice) → 这件衣服看上去很不错.
use it when making an initial judgment or comment about the appearance or state of a thing/person, implying that it is only an outward impression and may not be entirely accurate. For example 那沙发看上去非常结实 - that sofa looks very sturdy (but in reality it's not yet certain).
看上去 (kàn shang qù) leans toward perception through the eyes; 看起来 (kàn qǐlai) (it appears, it seems) has a similar meaning but is broader, and can be based on reasoning too, not just sight.
Vietnamese learners often place it in the wrong position, putting 看上去 after the adjective. You must place 看上去 BEFORE the description. Don't say 这件衣服很不错看上去.
Examples
This piece of clothing looks very nice.
That sofa looks very sturdy.
Practice
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Learn “看上去” effectively
The grammar point “看上去” (看上去 (kàn shang qù) – To look like, to appear) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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