Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai"

Both 显得 (xiǎnde) and 看起来 (kànqǐlái) 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 use 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。This color of clothing doesn't go well with your complexion.
• 这么 做 会 显得 你 很 小气。Doing it like this makes you seem stingy.

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

Subj. + 看起来 + Predicate

Examples

• 你 今天 看起来 很 高兴。You seem very happy today.
• 这 个 餐厅 看起来 不错，我们 可以 试试。This restaurant doesn't seem too bad, let's try it out.

Example Dialog

• A: 你 今天 看起来 很 苗条。You seem very slim today.
• B: 可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得我很苗条 。It's probably these clothes that makes me seem that way.

Sources and further reading

Dictionaries

• 现代汉语词典（第5版） (显得 p. 1477) →buy

HSK4