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.  
  
对应的英文解释应该都是" to appear to be""seems like",但是在感情色彩上不太一样。
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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.  
  
"显得" 是指客观上的描述和比较。所以如果你要说一件不太好的事情通常可以用"显得"以强调它的客观性,是一种委婉的表达。
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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.  
  
"看起来" 是指主观上的感觉和判断。
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=== Structure ===
 
=== Structure ===

Revision as of 09:01, 22 February 2013

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.


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

HSK4