Difference between revisions of "Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai""
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Both 显得 and 看起来 have meanings in English like "to appear to be" or "seems like", but their connotations are pretty different. | Both 显得 and 看起来 have meanings in English like "to appear to be" or "seems like", but their connotations are pretty different. | ||
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== 显得 emphasizes objectivity == | == 显得 emphasizes objectivity == | ||
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显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Therefore, if you want to say something that is not very good, you can sue 显得 to emphasize your objectiveness. It can be a "tactical" way to talk. | 显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Therefore, if you want to say something that is not very good, you can sue 显得 to emphasize your objectiveness. It can be a "tactical" way to talk. | ||
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=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
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看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels. | 看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels. | ||
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=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
Revision as of 09:01, 22 February 2013
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Keywords
Both 显得 and 看起来 have meanings in English like "to appear to be" or "seems like", but their connotations are pretty different.
Contents
显得 emphasizes objectivity
显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Therefore, if you want to say something that is not very good, you can sue 显得 to emphasize your objectiveness. It can be a "tactical" way to talk.
Structure
A + 显得 + B + Predicate
Examples
- 这 种 颜色 的 衣服 显得 你 的 脸色 很 差。
- 这么 做 会 显得 你 很 小气。
看起来 emphasize subjectivity
看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels.
Structure
Subject + 看起来 + Predicate
Examples
- 你 今天 看起来 很 高兴。
- 这 个 餐厅 看起来 不错，我们 可以 试试。
Example Dialog
- A: 你 今天 看起来 很 苗条。
- B: 可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得 。
Sources and further reading
Dictionaries
- 现代汉语词典（第5版） (显得 p. 1477) →buy
