听起来像
tīng qǐlái xiàng
The phrase "sounds like" in Mandarin is 听起来像 (tīng qǐlái xiàng).
听起来像 is used to express that something resembles another thing based on the noise or information you have heard.
Which one should you use?
If you want to say something "sounds [adjective]" (for example, "it sounds good"), use 听起来 (tīng qǐlái) without the 像 (xiàng). You should only use 像 when you are making a comparison to a specific noun or identity.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a verb phrase, 听起来像 can be followed directly by either a noun or a clause.
How do you pronounce it?
tīng qǐlái xiàng
Did you know?
- The component 起来 (qǐlái) in 听起来 literally means 'to stand up' or 'to rise'. In this context, it is a grammatical particle used to describe the start of a perception or a new state of feeling.
- The character 像 (xiàng), which provides the 'like' in the phrase, is the same character used to represent a 'portrait' or 'image' in Mandarin. Using it here implies that the sound is creating a mental 'image' or likeness in the listener's mind.
- The component 来 (lái) in 听起来 (tīng qǐlái) literally means 'to come'. In this grammatical structure, it functions as a direction-indicating complement, suggesting that the sensation of the sound is 'coming' toward the listener.
Examples in context
- 这听起来像个好主意。This sounds like a good idea.
- 这个主意听起来像个好计划。Zhège zhǔyì tīng qǐlái xiàng gè hǎo jìhuà.This idea sounds like a good plan.
- 他的声音听起来像在哭。Tā de shēngyīn tīng qǐlái xiàng zài kū.His voice sounds like he is crying.
- 那里的音乐听起来像爵士乐。Nàlǐ de yīnyuè tīng qǐlái xiàng juéshìyuè.The music there sounds like jazz.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a potential vacation destination.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我们去海边度假吧。Wǒmen qù hǎibiān dùjià ba.Let's go to the beach for a vacation.
- 伟 Wei听起来像很不错！Tīng qǐlái xiàng hěn bùcuò!That sounds like it would be great!
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我们现在就开始计划。Nà wǒmen xiànzài jiù kāishǐ jìhuà.Then let's start planning now.
- 伟 Wei没问题，佳怡。Méi wèntí, Jiāyí.No problem, Jiayi.
