HSKReadyGet the appHSK 5 Fixed Phrase: 从……来看 (cóng... lái kàn)
The fixed phrase 从……来看 frames a conclusion or evaluation by stating the evidence, aspect, or angle on which it is based, corresponding closely to 'judging from...' or 'from the perspective of...' in English.
从今年上半年的销售数据来看，新产品在南方市场非常受欢迎。
The speaker uses sales data as the stated basis for a conclusion about popularity.
× 从他刚才的回答，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。
In this intended judging-from sentence, add 看 or 来看 after 回答 to make the inference link clear. Another complete option is 从他的回答中，我们可以看出…… .
Corrected example: 从他刚才的回答来看，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。
Read the full explanation and examples
Core Meaning and Communicative Function
In the supplied HSK 5 grammar outline, 从……来看 is categorized as a fixed phrase (固定短语). Note that this level designation reflects the reference syllabus rather than a guarantee of what any individual test center currently administers.
从……来看 names the evidence, aspect or viewpoint from which the speaker makes an assessment. It may introduce a reasoned inference or a subjective evaluation. The phrase identifies the basis of the claim; it does not by itself establish that the evidence is reliable or the conclusion true.
从今年上半年的销售数据来看，新产品在南方市场非常受欢迎。
The speaker uses sales data as the stated basis for a conclusion about popularity.
Sentence Structures and Word Order
The frame consists of the preposition 从 at the beginning and 来看 at the end. In many contexts, 来看 can be shortened to 看 without changing the basic meaning, though 来看 sounds more complete and deliberate in formal speech and writing. The phrase most commonly appears at the very beginning of a sentence, set off by a comma, before the main clause stating the judgment.
When a specific topic or subject is already established, you can also place the topic first, follow it immediately with 从……来看, and then state the evaluation. This word order is especially helpful when contrasting how one thing performs across two different criteria.
这份方案从长远发展的角度来看很有价值，但目前资金还不够。
Places the topic first and uses 从……来看 to qualify the angle of evaluation.
What Goes Inside the Frame
The slot between 从 and 来看 is almost always filled by a noun, a modified noun phrase, or a nominalized clause. In natural usage, the items inside the frame fall into three main groups:
- Concrete evidence or observable clues: expressions like 表情 (facial expression), 反应 (reaction), 回答 (answer), 统计数据 (statistical data), or 调查结果 (survey results).
- Analytical angles or dimensions: abstract nouns paired with modifiers, such as 方面 (aspect), 角度 (angle/perspective), 成本 (cost), 质量 (quality), or 表面 (surface/appearance, as in 从表面来看 'on the surface').
- Timeframes or overall scopes: summary phrases such as 目前的情况 (the current situation), 长远 (the long term), or 整体/全局 (the whole picture).
从他平静的表态来看，他早就知道这场比赛的结果了。
Uses an observable behavioral clue as the basis for an inference.
从目前的情况来看，明天的户外演出恐怕要推迟了。
Defines the current scope and timeframe on which a prediction is based.
Useful Contrasts: 从……来看 vs. 在……看来 and 根据
A useful distinction is what you want to foreground. 从销售数据来看 names a basis for judgment, while 在我看来 directly identifies the holder of an opinion. Both can introduce subjective judgments; neither construction guarantees objectivity.
在我看来，学习一门语言最重要的是坚持每天练习。
在我看来 directly names the speaker’s opinion. 从我的角度来看 is another clear way to state the speaker’s perspective.
For a clear personal opinion, use 在我看来. If you want to name your standpoint explicitly, use 从我的角度来看 or 从我的立场来看. Short 从我来看 also occurs in speech, so it should not be labeled impossible merely because 我 is a pronoun; the expanded versions make the intended perspective clearer for a learner.
根据 can state a rule or source for acting, as in 根据规定办理. 从……来看 instead presents a basis or perspective for what follows. That can support advice or a request too: 从安全角度来看，请大家不要靠近河边. The distinction concerns how the basis is presented, not a blanket ban on commands or actions.
Common Learner Mistake and Limits
In the answer example, adding 来看 clearly links the answer to the inference about understanding. 从……看 is another option. Do not extend this editing advice to every 从 phrase: 从他刚才的回答中，我们可以看出…… is also well formed, with the inference verb later in the sentence.
× 从他刚才的回答，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。
In this intended judging-from sentence, add 看 or 来看 after 回答 to make the inference link clear. Another complete option is 从他的回答中，我们可以看出…… .
Corrected example: 从他刚才的回答来看，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。
从他刚才的回答来看，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。
The complete 从……来看 frame makes the answer the basis for the judgment about understanding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I say 从……看 instead of 从……来看?
Yes. In most sentences, 来看 can be shortened to 看 (for example, 从目前的情况看 or 从这个角度看) with the same core meaning. Including 来 gives the phrase a slightly fuller, more balanced rhythm that is very common in written and formal spoken Chinese.
What kind of clause should follow 从……来看?
A judgment, evaluation or inference is common, but the frame can also explain why a recommendation or request follows. For example, 从安全角度来看，请大家不要靠近河边 presents a safety perspective for the request. The following clause should make sense in relation to the stated basis.
How can I express my own viewpoint clearly?
在我看来 is a direct “in my opinion.” 从我的角度来看 explicitly says “from my perspective.” These are clear learner models; the shorter 从我来看 also occurs in speech and is not universally impossible.
