看出

• Pinyin: kàn chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 看 = 手 (hand) + 目 (eye); 出 = two mountain shapes stacked, depicting emergence

Meaning

To see through; to perceive; to notice. To detect or recognize something not immediately obvious.

A resultative verb compound indicating the successful perception of something hidden or subtle. Used when one discerns truth, intentions, emotions, or patterns that aren't overtly displayed.

Examples

1. 我一眼就看出他在说谎。 I could tell at a glance that he was lying.
2. 从他的表情可以看出他很紧张。 You can tell from his expression that he's very nervous.
3. 你能看出这幅画是真迹还是赝品吗？ Can you tell whether this painting is authentic or a forgery?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, observation, analysis

Tone: perceptive

Do Say

• 你看出什么问题了吗？(Did you notice any problems?)
• 我看不出他们有什么区别。(I can't see any difference between them.)

Don't Say

• 我看出那本书。(Wrong usage — 看出 needs a perception/conclusion, not a simple object)

Origin & History

看 (kàn, look) + 出 (chū, out/emerge). Together they mean 'to look and figure out' or 'to see emerging truth.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal