# 从……来看 (cóng... lái kàn): Meaning, Structure & Contrasts | HSKReady

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Language: en
Content ID: web-grammar-hsk-5-fixed-phrases-5d2f4cc458
HSK levels: 5
Updated: 2026-10-23T04:56:47.758Z
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Learn how to use the HSK 5 fixed phrase 从……来看 to introduce evidence, angles of analysis, and qualified judgments in Chinese, with clear examples and contrasts.

Grammar

[HSK 5 · Fixed patterns](https://hskready.app/en/grammar/hsk-5#hsk-5-g027)

# HSK 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 Basis, evidence, or angle 来看， Judgment or conclusion clause

Example sentence

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。

Cóng jīnnián shàngbànnián de xiāoshòu shùjù lái kàn, xīn chǎnpǐn zài nánfāng shìchǎng fēicháng shòu huānyíng.

Judging from the sales data for the first half of this year, the new product is very popular in the southern market.

The speaker uses sales data as the stated basis for a conclusion about popularity.

A common mistake

× 从他刚才的回答，他还没有完全理解这个规定的目的。

Cóng tā gāngcái de huídá, tā hái méiyǒu wánquán lǐjiě zhège guīdìng de mùdì.

Intended: Judging from his answer just now, he still has not fully understood the purpose of this regulation.

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。

Cóng jīnnián shàngbànnián de xiāoshòu shùjù lái kàn, xīn chǎnpǐn zài nánfāng shìchǎng fēicháng shòu huānyíng.

Judging from the sales data for the first half of this year, the new product is very popular in the southern market.

The speaker uses sales data as the stated basis for a conclusion about popularity.

Key Nuance: Using 从……来看 often implies that the conclusion is true relative to the stated basis or current scope, leaving room for the conclusion to change if judged from a different angle or at a later time.

## 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.

从 Basis, evidence, or angle 来看， Judgment or conclusion clause

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.

Topic or subject 从 Basis, evidence, or angle 来看 Evaluation predicate

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。

Zhè fèn fāng'àn cóng chángyuǎn fāzhǎn de jiǎodù lái kàn hěn yǒu jiàzhí, dàn mùqián zījīn hái bùgòu.

Seen from the angle of long-term development, this proposal is very valuable, but at present the funding is still insufficient.

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。

Cóng tā píngjìng de biǎotài lái kàn, tā zǎo jiù zhīdào zhè chǎng bǐsài de jiéguǒ le.

Judging from his calm statement, he already knew the result of this match long ago.

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。

Cóng mùqián de qíngkuàng lái kàn, míngtiān de hùwài yǎnchū kǒngpà yào tuīchí le.

Judging from the current situation, tomorrow's outdoor performance will probably have to be postponed.

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。

Zài wǒ kànlái, xuéxí yī mén yǔyán zuì zhòngyào de shì jiānchí měitiān liànxí.

In my view, the most important thing in learning a language is to keep practicing every day.

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。

Cóng tā gāngcái de huídá, tā hái méiyǒu wánquán lǐjiě zhège guīdìng de mùdì.

Intended: Judging from his answer just now, he still has not fully understood the purpose of this regulation.

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。

Cóng tā gāngcái de huídá lái kàn, tā hái méiyǒu wánquán lǐjiě zhège guīdìng de mùdì.

Judging from his answer just now, he still has not fully understood the purpose of this regulation.

The complete 从……来看 frame makes the answer the basis for the judgment about understanding.

Editing check: make the relationship between the stated basis and the judgment explicit. Use the lesson’s 从……来看 frame, or another complete construction such as 从……可以看出; do not require 来看 at one fixed position in every sentence.

## 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.

**Source**[hsk.cn-bj.ufileos.com · PDF page 398](https://hsk.cn-bj.ufileos.com/3.0/%E6%96%B0%E7%89%88HSK%E8%80%83%E8%AF%95%E5%A4%A7%E7%BA%B21219.pdf#page=398)

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