From This We Can See: 由此可见/由此看来
由此可见/由此看来
Use 由此可见 and 由此看来 to draw conclusions from evidence or preceding arguments
由此可见 means "from this it can be seen that" and 由此看来 means "from this it appears that." Both are transitional phrases used to draw a conclusion from previously presented evidence. 由此可见 is more assertive; 由此看来 is slightly more tentative.
由此 means "from this" (此 refers to the preceding content). 可见 means "it can be seen" (assertive conclusion). 看来 means "it appears/seems" (tentative conclusion). These expressions are common in academic writing, news commentary, and formal speeches.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: From This We Can See: 由此可见/由此看来 (由此可见/由此看来)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 由此可见/由此看来 pattern
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Understanding 由此可见/由此看来
The expressions 由此可见 and 由此看来 are essential tools for formal argumentation and analytical writing in Chinese. They function as logical connectors that bridge evidence and conclusions — the Chinese equivalents of "from this we can see that," "this shows that," or "judging from this." When you present a series of facts or arguments and then write 由此可见, you are drawing a definitive conclusion. When you use 由此看来, your conclusion is slightly more tentative — you are suggesting what the evidence seems to indicate. These phrases are staples of Chinese academic essays, news editorials, and formal presentations. Mastering them elevates your Chinese from conversational to analytical, allowing you to construct well-reasoned arguments.
Key Points
- 由此可见 means "from this it can be seen that" — draws a firm conclusion.
- 由此看来 means "from this it appears that" — draws a tentative conclusion.
- Both are formal transitional phrases connecting evidence to conclusions.
- 由此 (from this) refers back to the preceding argument or evidence.
- 由此可见 is more assertive and definitive; 由此看来 is more cautious.
- Common in essays, editorials, academic writing, and formal presentations.
In Chinese academic and rhetorical traditions, drawing clear conclusions from evidence (有理有据) is considered a mark of strong argumentation. 由此可见 signals that the speaker has built a logical case and is now delivering the verdict.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他从小就坚持每天练习钢琴，由此可见成功需要长期的坚持。
He practiced piano every day from a young age — from this we can see that success requires long-term persistence.
Draws a firm conclusion
由此看来，学习方法比学习时间更重要。
From this it appears that study methods are more important than study time.
A somewhat tentative conclusion
这些数据清楚地表明了环境污染的严重性，由此可见治理工作刻不容缓。
This data clearly shows the severity of environmental pollution — from this we can see that remediation work is urgent.
两国的贸易额连续三年增长，由此可见双方的合作关系越来越紧密。
Trade between the two countries has grown for three consecutive years — from this we can see that their cooperative relationship is growing ever closer.
他反复推辞了好几次，由此看来他是真的不想参加。
He declined repeatedly — from this it seems he truly doesn't want to participate.
由此可见，良好的沟通是团队成功的关键。
From this we can see that good communication is the key to team success.
Common Mistakes
由此可见 introduces a conclusion or insight drawn from evidence, not a simple fact. It should reveal something beyond the obvious.
由此可见 is used for meaningful conclusions drawn from substantive evidence, not for trivial personal decisions. The conclusion should be a general principle or insight.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 由此可见 for firm, evidence-backed conclusions; use 由此看来 when you are making an inference that could be wrong.
Always present evidence or arguments before using these phrases — they cannot appear at the very start of a discussion.
These expressions are excellent for essay writing — use them in conclusion paragraphs or after presenting supporting evidence.
In everyday conversation, the simpler 所以 or 看来 is more natural. Reserve 由此可见/由此看来 for formal contexts.
Homework
Write a short argumentative paragraph on any topic (education, technology, health). First present 2-3 pieces of evidence, then use 由此可见 to draw a firm conclusion. Then write a second paragraph where the evidence is less clear-cut, and use 由此看来 for a more tentative conclusion. Compare the tone of the two paragraphs.