看似…，实则…
it looks like …, but in fact …
Structure
看似 表面的样子 ， 实则 真实的情况
What it means
“It looks like …, but in fact …”: the first half gives the appearance, the second the reality that contradicts it.
How it is built
(Subject) + 看似 + appearance，实则 + reality: 这个问题看似简单，实则牵涉到很多方面 (the question looks simple but touches on many things). 看似 = 看起来好像, 实则 = 实际上.
When to use it
Written and a little literary: commentary, reviews and investigative journalism, often to expose something. In speech say 看起来…，其实…. Either half can stand alone: 看似平常, 实则不然.
Watch out
There must be a real contrast: ✗ 看似便宜，实则很便宜. 实则 already does the turning, so add no link word: ✗ 看似简单，但是实则很难 ✓ 看似简单，实则很难.
Examples
看似价值连城的汉代国宝，实则是不久前才拼凑起来的一堆玉片。
What looked like a priceless Han treasure was in fact a pile of jade plaques put together not long before.
这个问题看似简单，实则牵涉到很多方面。
The question looks simple, but in fact it touches on a great many things.
他看似随口一说，实则早就想好了。
He seemed to say it off the cuff, but in fact he had thought it through long before.
Learn this in Lesson 238 · HSK 9+: 拍卖与赝品 (Auctions and fakes)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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