tai2 hei2 soeng5 lei4睇起上嚟
Jyutpingtai2 hei2 soeng5 lei4
Yaletái héi séuhng lèih
Definition
Apparently; on the surface; from the looks of things.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
This phrase is used to express a subjective judgment based on initial visual observation. It often introduces a contrast between how something appears and its true nature, frequently followed by 其實 or 點知 to signal that the reality differs from the first impression.
Examples
He looks quite fierce, but he is actually a very nice person.
This report looks fine on the surface, have you checked it thoroughly yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 睇落, which is a simpler way to say 'looks like'. 睇起上嚟 carries a slightly more analytical or evaluative tone, suggesting you have taken a moment to observe or consider the situation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
