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显得 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
显得
xiǎnde
to seem
HSK 5, v, 20 strokes, rank #2932, Hard
显得
xiǎnde
to look
HSK 5, v, 20 strokes, rank #2932, Hard
显得
xiǎnde
to appear
HSK 5, v, 20 strokes, rank #2932, Hard
xiǎnde(xian3de5)xian de T3
1to seem
2to look
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March 24, 2026
显得(顯得)xiǎnde(xian3de5)
显得 (xiǎn de) means 'to seem' or 'to appear.' It is often used to describe how someone or something looks in a particular context or situation, conveying a sense of perception or impression. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings, it emphasizes the outward appearance or impression rather than the intrinsic qualities.
Strokes20Frequency#2932DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the way someone appears can carry significant social implications, influencing perceptions in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, how one dresses for an interview can '显得' more competent or suitable for the position.
Memory tip
Think of 显 (xiǎn) as a 'shining' appearance, where the character looks like a person showing off under bright lights. The radical 见 (jiàn) means 'to see,' helping you remember that it relates to how something is perceived. Together, 显得 suggests how something shines or presents itself to others.
Meanings of 显得
xiǎnde(xian3de5)
1to seem
2to look
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 显得 means.
About 显得
显得Simplified
顯得Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2932Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 显得
Podcast: 显得
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AI study notes for 显得
Quick Contrast
显得 (xiǎnde) vs 似乎 (sìhū) — use 显得 when emphasizing an impression based on appearance, whereas 似乎 conveys a sense of conjecture or uncertainty.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 显得 with similar verbs like 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái), which means 'to look like' but is more direct. 显得 often implies a subjective judgment about appearance. It is commonly used with adjectives, such as 显得美丽 (xiǎn de měi lì - seems beautiful).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 显得 connects with other descriptive verbs and adjectives. Focus on using it with various adjectives to describe appearances, which will enhance your expressive capabilities in conversation. Practice forming sentences that reflect opinions on appearance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 显得 with 显示 (xiǎn shì), which means 'to show.' For example, saying '他显得我很高兴' (Tā xiǎn de wǒ hěn gāoxìng) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我显得很高兴' (Wǒ xiǎn de hěn gāoxìng - I seem very happy).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 显得
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显得 (xiǎn de) means 'to seem' or 'to appear.' It is often used to describe how someone or something looks in a particular context or situation, conveying a sense of perception or impression. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings, it emphasizes the outward appearance or impression rather than the intrinsic qualities.
When to use 显得
Be careful not to confuse 显得 with similar verbs like 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái), which means 'to look like' but is more direct. 显得 often implies a subjective judgment about appearance. It is commonly used with adjectives, such as 显得美丽 (xiǎn de měi lì - seems beautiful).
显得 or something close to it
显得 (xiǎnde) vs 似乎 (sìhū) — use 显得 when emphasizing an impression based on appearance, whereas 似乎 conveys a sense of conjecture or uncertainty.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 显得 with 显示 (xiǎn shì), which means 'to show.' For example, saying '他显得我很高兴' (Tā xiǎn de wǒ hěn gāoxìng) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我显得很高兴' (Wǒ xiǎn de hěn gāoxìng - I seem very happy).
Write 显得
显
得
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Grammar patterns of 显得
显得 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
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