What is the difference of 看来， 看起来， 看样子 and 看上去？

看来 (kàn lái):
This is a more neutral expression used to indicate an inference or judgment based on information or evidence.

Example: 他迟到了，看来可能遇到交通堵塞了 (Tā chídào le, kànlái kěnéng yùdào jiāotōng dǔsè le) - He's late; it seems he might have encountered traffic congestion.



看起来 (kàn qǐlái):
This is similar to 看来 but is often used more informally in daily conversation. It emphasizes the subjective impression or feeling of the speaker.

Example: 这道菜看起来很好吃 (Zhè dào cài kàn qǐlái hěn hào chī) - This dish looks very delicious.



看样子 (kàn yàngzi):
This expression is used to convey an impression based on appearance or observable characteristics. It is often used when making an assessment or judgment about something.

Example: 天空的颜色变暗了，看样子要下雨了 (Tiānkōng de yánsè biàn àn le, kàn yàngzi yào xiàyǔ le) - The sky is getting dark; it looks like it's going to rain.



看上去 (kàn shàngqù):
This expression is similar to 看起来 and is used to describe a visual impression or appearance. It can also imply a subjective opinion.

Example: 这个房子看上去很新 (Zhège fángzi kàn shàngqù hěn xīn) - This house looks very new.