HSK 7-9
别看……，……
bié kàn...,...
Don't be fooled by...; despite appearances
Structure
别看 + [Surface Fact/Observation], + [Actual Situation/Contrast]
How it works
This structure is used to transition from a seemingly negative or unimpressive surface observation to a surprising or impressive reality. It functions similarly to 'don't let the appearance of X fool you' or 'despite the fact that X.'
Examples
别看他年纪小，懂得的道理可不少。
Bié kàn tā niánjì xiǎo, dǒngde de dàolǐ kě bùshǎo.
Don't be fooled by his young age; he understands quite a lot of principles.
别看这间屋子旧，租金可一点都不便宜。
Bié kàn zhè jiān wūzi jiù, zūjīn kě yìdiǎn dōu bù piányi.
Despite the fact that this room is old, the rent is not cheap at all.
别看他表面上很冷淡，其实内心很热情。
Bié kàn tā biǎomiàn shàng hěn lěngdàn, qíshí nèixīn hěn rèqíng.
Don't be fooled by his cold exterior; he is actually very warm-hearted inside.
Common mistakes
Users often forget that the second clause must provide a contrast or an unexpected result; simply listing facts without a 'twist' makes the sentence sound incomplete.
Tip
To make your sentence sound more natural and emphasize the contrast, use adverbs like '却' (què), '可' (kě), or '其实' (qíshí) in the second clause.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 别看……，…… in real Chinese
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