Set Phrases: “看上去 / 看起来”

Meaning

The expressions 看上去 (kàn shàngqù) and 看起来 (kàn qǐlái) are used to describe the appearance, condition, or general impression of a person or thing.

They can usually be translated as: “look…” “seem…” “appear to be…”

Person / Thing + 看上去 + Adjective Person / Thing + 看起来 + Adjective

In this usage, 看上去 and 看起来 have almost the same meaning.

他(Tā)们(men)看(kàn)上(shàng)去(qù)有(yǒu)点儿(diǎnr)像(xiàng)。

They look a little alike.

看上去 → look / appear 有点儿像 → look a little alike

这(Zhè)些(xiē)菜(cài)看(kàn)起(qǐ)来(lái)都(dōu)很(hěn)好(hǎo)吃(chī)。

All these dishes look delicious.

看起来 → look / appear 很好吃 → delicious

那(Nà)个(ge)新(xīn)来(lái)的(de)老(lǎo)师(shī)看(kàn)上(shàng)去(qù)很(hěn)年(nián)轻(qīng)。

The new teacher looks very young.

看上去 → looks / appears 很年轻 → very young

Both expressions are used when we describe someone or something based on its appearance or the impression it gives.

看(Kàn)上(shàng)去(qù)很(hěn)累(lèi)。He/She looks very tired.

看(Kàn)起(qǐ)来(lái)很(hěn)漂(piào)亮(liang)。It looks very beautiful.

看(Kàn)上(shàng)去(qù)不(bú)错(cuò)。It looks good.

Person / Thing + 看上去 / 看起来 + Adjective

看上去 / 看起来 = “look / seem / appear”