Fixed Pattern: 在……看来
在……看来
Express someone's perspective or viewpoint using the pattern 在...看来
Place 在 before a person or group, followed by 看来, then a comma and the opinion or judgment. This pattern means "in someone's view" or "from someone's perspective." It frames the following statement as a subjective viewpoint rather than an objective fact.
The "someone" slot can be a pronoun (我, 他, 她), a noun (老师, 父母, 很多人), or even an abstract entity (历史). This pattern is more formal than simply saying 我觉得 and is commonly used in essays, speeches, and debates.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Pattern: 在……看来 (在……看来)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 在……看来 pattern
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Understanding 在……看来
When you want to present an opinion and make it clear whose perspective it represents, 在……看来 is your go-to pattern. It is more sophisticated than 我觉得 or 我认为 because it explicitly frames the viewpoint as belonging to a specific person or group. For example, 在我看来 means "in my view" and signals that you are about to share a personal opinion. You can also attribute opinions to others: 在老师看来 (from the teacher's perspective) or 在很多人看来 (in many people's view). This pattern appears frequently in formal writing, academic discussions, and debates. It adds a layer of objectivity by acknowledging that the opinion belongs to someone rather than presenting it as universal truth.
Key Points
- 在……看来 = "in someone's view / from someone's perspective" — frames a subjective opinion.
- The person slot can be a pronoun, a noun, or a group: 在我看来, 在专家看来, 在大多数人看来.
- The pattern is followed by a comma, then the opinion or judgment.
- More formal and nuanced than 我觉得 — preferred in writing and speeches.
- Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence (most common) or after the subject.
- 看来 literally means "looking at it" — so the pattern is like saying "from the standpoint of looking at it through someone's eyes."
In Chinese academic and professional discourse, attributing opinions to specific perspectives is valued. Using 在……看来 shows intellectual maturity and respect for differing viewpoints — a reflection of the Chinese cultural emphasis on harmony and acknowledging multiple perspectives before reaching consensus.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
在我看来，这次中文考试实在是太难了。
In my view, this Chinese exam was really too difficult.
在很多人看来，这件事没有那么简单。
In many people's view, this matter is not that simple.
在老师看来，每一个学生都有自己的优点。
From the teacher's perspective, every student has their own strengths.
在父母看来，孩子的健康比成绩更重要。
In parents' eyes, children's health is more important than grades.
在专家看来，这个方案还需要进一步完善。
In the experts' view, this plan still needs further refinement.
在他看来，学好中文最重要的是多说多练。
In his opinion, the most important thing for learning Chinese well is to speak and practice more.
在我看来，这部电影不值得看。
In my view, this movie is not worth watching.
Common Mistakes
在我看来 already means "I think / in my view," so adding 我觉得 is redundant. Choose one or the other.
The word order is fixed: 在 + person + 看来. You cannot rearrange the components.
The person must come between 在 and 看来, not after 看来.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 在我看来 at the start of essays or debates to clearly signal your personal opinion.
When you want to sound more formal than 我觉得, switch to 在我看来 — it elevates your Chinese immediately.
Practice by attributing opinions to different people: 在我妈妈看来……在我朋友看来……在中国人看来……
Remember: this pattern always needs a comma after 看来 before the main clause.
Homework
Write six sentences using 在……看来, each with a different person or group in the perspective slot (e.g., 在我看来, 在同学们看来, 在中国人看来). Make sure each sentence expresses a clear opinion or judgment.