[Learn intermediate Chinese with grammar] How to say “It seems that…” in Chinese

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How to say “It seems that…” in Chinese

Chinese has several ways to say “it seems that…” The most common ones are 好像, 看起來, 聽起來, and 似乎.

Expression Meaning Use
好像 seems like; apparently general impression or uncertainty
看起來 looks like; seems based on what you see
聽起來 sounds like; seems based on what you hear
似乎 seems; appears to more formal or written

1. 好像: a general “seems like”

好像 is useful when you are not completely sure, or when something is only your impression.

Chinese Pinyin English
他好像不太高興。 Tā hǎoxiàng bú tài gāoxìng. He seems not very happy.

2. 看起來 and 聽起來

Use 看起來 when your impression comes from what you see. Use 聽起來 when your impression comes from what you hear.

Chinese Pinyin English
這個問題看起來很複雜。 Zhège wèntí kàn qǐlái hěn fùzá. This problem looks complicated.
這個計畫聽起來不錯。 Zhège jìhuà tīng qǐlái búcuò. This plan sounds pretty good.

3. 似乎: more formal “seems”

似乎 is more formal than 好像. It is common in writing, news, reports, or serious discussion.

Chinese Pinyin English
這個方法似乎有效。 Zhège fāngfǎ sìhū yǒuxiào. This method seems effective.

Useful words and example sentences

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