看似 kànsì to look as if
to look as if; to seem
How to remember 看似: 看 look at + 似 resembling = to look as if.
Characters
How it is used
- Seemingly / appears to be (but maybe isn't) - 看似简单,其实很难 (kànsì jiǎndān, qíshí hěn nán) looks easy but is actually hard.
- Sets up a contrast between appearance and reality; almost always followed by a 'but actually' clause.
- Written and formal register.