(kàn lái) - it seems, it looks like, apparently in Mandarin
kànláiTraditional: 看來
Translation
it seems, it looks like, apparently
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Word origin
看来 means it seems or apparently. 看 (kàn) is to look (hand over eye). 来 (lái) means to come, originally a pictograph of a wheat or barley plant, later borrowed for the verb; simplified from 來.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 看 (kàn, to look) + 来 (lái, to come)
Stroke order
看
来
Examples
。
It looks like it's going to rain today.
。
It seems you already know.
。
It appears this matter is not so simple.
。
It looks like it will rain today.
。
It seems he isn't coming.
看来 (kàn lái) literally means looking from this angle and functions as an inferential expression meaning it seems or it looks like. It introduces a conclusion drawn from observation or evidence. It typically appears at the start of a clause (看来我们要迟到了, it looks like we are going to be late). A similar phrase is 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái), which also means it appears but focuses more on visible appearance.
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Mandarin · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "看来" (it seems, it looks like, apparently): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 8, lesson 3: 看来, 只能, 太太 and 7 more words.