What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you look very pretty". The word 很 (hěn) means "very", though in this context it often functions as a grammatical filler in simple adjective sentences.
Which one should you use?
你看起来很漂亮 means "you look pretty" (referring to appearance at a specific moment). In contrast, 你很漂亮 means "you are pretty" (referring to a general state or quality).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, used in Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong, you can say 你好靚呀 to mean "You look so pretty". In Taiwanese Mandarin, the phrase 你看起來好漂亮喔 is used to say "You look very beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase '你看起来很漂亮', the word 很 (hěn) is typically used before an adjective to make the sentence sound complete and natural, even if the speaker doesn't intend to emphasize 'very'.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ kàn qǐlai hěn piàoliang
Did you know?
- The character 漂 (piào) in 漂亮 (piàoliang) originally related to floating on water, which historically evolved into a meaning of being light, airy and elegant.
- The word 漂亮 (piàoliang) can also be used to describe a way of doing something, such as playing a game of chess or completing a task, meaning 'splendidly' or 'brilliantly'.
- In many Chinese social circles, a direct compliment like 你看起来很漂亮 may be met with a polite refusal or denial, as modesty is a highly valued cultural trait.
Examples in context
- 穿这件衣服，你看起来很漂亮。Chuān zhè jiàn yīfú, nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.You look very pretty in this dress.
- 戴上耳环后，你看起来很漂亮。Dài shàng ěrhuán hòu, nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.You look very pretty after putting on the earrings.
Example conversation
Wei and Yuting are getting ready for a party.
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，我的裙子好看吗？Wěi, wǒ de qúnzi hǎokàn ma?Wei, does my dress look good?
- 伟 Wei非常好看，你看起来很漂亮。Fēicháng hǎokàn, nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.Very good, you look pretty.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，你也很帅。Xièxie nǐ, nǐ yě hěn shuài.Thank you, you look handsome too.
- 伟 Wei我们现在出发吧。Wǒmen xiànzài chūfā ba.Let's head out now.
